Appearance

Apistogramma are a varied genus of fish that originate from Brazil who’s appearance depends on the exact species.

The species we sell are:

• A. veijita, a white and orange fish with a darker stripe that runs from nose to tail and a beautiful, serrated dorsal fin.

They typically grow up to 5-7cm long, depending on sex, and live between 5-8 years with good husbandry.

Water Conditions

• Minimum Tank Size: 37 litre ‘nano tanks’, though 75 litres is better

• Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 24° c - 28° c

  • PH: mildly basic to mildly acidic - Between 5.5 and 7.0

  • Hardness: 30 - 100 ppm

• Tank Specifics:

  • Apistogramma are skittish fish who will cruise around a whole tank, but hide, and so need plants, caves, and rocks to seek shelter in.

Feeding

Apistogramma are omnivorus and will accept a wide variety of commercial foods, as well as live feeds like brine shrimp. They prefer to feed at the top of the tank, so floating food is essential.

Compatibility

Despite being fairly aggressive during breeding season, Apistogramma are a peaceful, small cichlid who can be housed well with other cichlids and, (as long as the water parameters are compatible), some discus and large tetras.

Breeding and Sexing

Apistogramma are easy to sex - males are much flashier, sporting brighter colours, longer fins, and both larger and skinnier bodies than females. Females will be smaller, plumper, and duller colours, with some black highlighting and barring. They are very easy to breed.