Above: In the picture, a young premium quality Double Red Agassizii Cichlid is swimming in one of our aquariums, when one of us snapped this picture.

Comments: These are fabulous fish with vibrant colors.

Origin: Apistogrammas are Cichlids whos ancestors lived in the Amazon but now they live in aquariums all over the world. There are several species of Cichlids for sale in this store.

Maximum Size: In aquariums male Apistogrammas can grow to be about 2.5" long and females about 2" long. 

Behaviors: Apistogramma are usually semi-aggresive fish and from time to time males have long energetic battles. 

Compatibility: Some recommended tank mates include small Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, Angelfish, and other small mild tempered community fish. Click here to read more about compatible groups of pet fish.

Temperature: Apistogrammas live best from about 75 to 82-degrees F. with 78 being perhaps ideal. Click here to learn about aquarium temperature, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium heaters.

Feeding: Premium Fish Food Flakes is best. Click here to learn more about and shop online for premium fish foods.

Water Conditions: These fish prefer water with a low pH and very little hardness. Most of the water in U.S. has a higher pH and is harder but seems OK, and so as usual it's best not to try to change the pH or alkalinity. Unless you want to breed them, then you will probably want to gradually dilute the water with RO-water. Click here for a lot more information about aquarium water conditions.

Aquarium Size: Cichlids like this Apistogramma, will need to live in an aquarium with at least 20-gallons of water, but of course bigger is better. 

Decor: Apistogrammas do not need gravel, and a layer of gravel more than 1/4" thick will usually fill with bits of uneaten food that will contaminate the water. Click here for more about aquarium gravel.

Live plants are beautiful and improve the water quality. Apistogrammas seem to appreciate live plants. 

Aquarium Filter: Bio-Wheel Filters are highly recommended, and a 20-gallon aquarium needs a Penguin 200B Filter. Click here to learn more about aquarium filters.

The addition of Lava Rocks will keep nitrates in the ideal range. Click here to learn more about using Lava Rocks in aquariums.

Life Span: Apistogrammas can live for several years. Keep the water conditions excellent and feed them premium foods, and they will most likely breed and produce the next generation of fish for your aquarium.

Gender: It's difficult to tell males from females, when they're very small, but as they mature the male will color up and the female will become plumper.

Breeding: Apistogrammas females lay their eggs on or between rocks. The male fertilizes, and then they guard and protect their eggs from other tankmates. Click here for a lot more about breeding various tropical fish in aquariums.

Popularity: These fish are rare and so not very popular, but advanced aquarist seem to appreciate them. 

Names: The scientific name for Apistogramma is Apistogramma agassizii.

Variations: There are some variations of Agassizii, and the Double Red is one variation. This species occurs over a wide region and there are several variations. 

Click here for a lot more information about keeping and caring for Apistogrammas, including a picture gallery.

We hope you've enjoyed reading these comments.