Species profile
Apistogramma Agassizii
Apistogramma agassizii
Peaceful
Hard care
70 L minimum aquarium
4–7.5 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Soft-water dwarf cichlid best in mature, shaded aquaria with leaf litter, wood and multiple caves. Stable low-pollutant water is more important than chasing an exact pH.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–29 °C
pH
4.5–6.8
GH
Up to 12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1
Often haremic where space permits. Females defend brood territories fiercely; peaceful upper/midwater dither fish are usually better companions than competing bottom fish.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
70 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Apistogramma agassizii
Alternative names
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid, Agassizii Apistogramma
Native range
Broadly distributed in Amazonian drainages of Brazil, Peru and Colombia.
Natural habitat
Blackwater and slow forest waters rich in leaf litter and woody structure. Use gentle flow and subdued light.
Diet & feeding
Micropredatory. Offer small frozen/live invertebrates and high-quality carnivore micro-pellets; avoid relying solely on dry flake.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are larger, much more colourful and develop elongated fins; females remain smaller and become bright yellow when breeding.
Breeding
Cave spawner with strong maternal brood care. Female tends eggs and fry; male normally defends a wider territory.