Apistogramma agassizi (Steindachner 1875)

Apistogramma agassizii is a great fish for intermediate fish keepers with some experience in keeping cichlids. They are on the smaller side and are not overly aggressive. They are easy to feed and generally easy to maintain aside from fairly frequent water changes. If the water is properly maintained and they are feed a variety of foods this fish will thrive.

Captive-raised fish are the recommended choice for the general aquarium community. Wild examples are best maintained alone or in a small biotope community and ideally should not be mixed with other Apistogramma.

Apistogramma agassizii males develop more extended fins than females. They are also larger and more colourful.

This cichlid species are primarily carnivorous and, apparently, feeds mostly on benthic invertebrates.

It is recommended to use soft, sandy substrate with wood roots and branches placed in such a way that they form plenty ohiding places and caves. The addition of dried leaf litter is necessary.

Live and frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia and chironomid larvae (bloodworm) should be offered regularly, although most specimens will also learn to accept dried alternatives: usually pellet is preferred to flakes.

Substrate spawner which normally lays its eggs in crevices or cavities among the décor. The female is responsible for the post-spawning care of eggs and fries.

The initial phase of feeding the larvae hinges on the consumption of the yolk sack, after which it is necessary to feed them with freshly hatched brine shrimp. If the fry is kept in the community tank, it is recomended to use a special straw or siringa to direct the nauplii to the branch of fry.

In the smaller aquaria the males should to be removed as they may become hyper-aggressive.