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Contents
Overview
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii) is one of the classic, most widespread apistos. It inhabits a huge area of the Amazon basin, mainly in blackwater or clearwater habitats that are very soft and acidic, with bottoms covered in leaves, twigs and roots.
Males reach about 3 inches (8 cm) and stand out for their spade-shaped tail and the dark stripe running along the body. There are many geographic forms and captive lines such as "fire red," "double red" and "Tefé," in blues, reds and yellows. It is more sensitive than the cockatoo cichlid: it needs soft, clean water to show color and live a full life, which makes it a good second species once you have maintenance down.
Care and tank setup
A pair does well in a 16-gallon (60 L) tank or larger with lots of floor space and gentle flow; for a harem with two females, start at 20-29 gallons (80-110 L).
- Water: soft and acidic, with low nitrates. Captive-bred fish tolerate a bit more hardness, but blended RO or naturally soft water gives the best results.
- Decor: fine sand, dried leaves that tint the water, driftwood, plants and several caves so each female has her own retreat.
- Lighting: moderate or diffused by floating plants; under bright light it stays pale and hidden.
It pairs well with small soft-water tetras, pencilfish or rasboras that swim higher up. Do not keep several males in a small tank or mix it with other bottom cichlids. It hunts dwarf shrimp. The most common mistake is hard water or irregular maintenance: it loses color, gets sick and dies young.
Feeding
It is a micropredator that feeds on larvae and small invertebrates among the leaf litter in the wild. It accepts fine pellets and flakes, but its diet should be rounded out with frozen or live food: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia and cyclops.
Offer several small meals a day and remove leftovers, since soft water has little buffering capacity.
Breeding
The female lays 50 to 150 eggs on a cave ceiling and cares for them alone, turning bright yellow. The male patrols the territory and may spawn with several females.
Breeding works in soft, acidic water, and temperature affects the sex of the fry: warmer water usually means more males. Fry eat baby brine shrimp as soon as they swim.
Compatible tank mates
Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid. Calculated from the data in each profile.
Cherry barb Puntius titteya 16 gal (60 L) · 73–81 °F (23–27 °C) 
Tiger barb Puntigrus tetrazona 26 gal (100 L) · 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) 
Betta fish Betta splendens 7 gal (25 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Harlequin rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha 16 gal (60 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Bristlenose pleco Ancistrus sp. 26 gal (100 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Bronze cory Corydoras aeneus 21 gal (80 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Angelfish Pterophyllum scalare 53 gal (200 L) · 75–84 °F (24–29 °C) 
Dwarf gourami Trichogaster lalius 16 gal (60 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Rummy-nose tetra Hemigrammus rhodostomus 26 gal (100 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi 21 gal (80 L) · 73–84 °F (23–29 °C) 
Clown loach Chromobotia macracanthus 132 gal (500 L) · 77–86 °F (25–30 °C) Check the compatibility of your whole tank →
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid, and why.
- Yellow lab cichlid: incompatible pH
- Molly: incompatible pH
- Oscar: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
- Celestial pearl danio: incompatible temperatures, one may eat the other due to size
- Ember tetra: one may eat the other due to size
- Amano shrimp: eats shrimp
- Cherry shrimp: eats shrimp
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Agassiz's dwarf cichlid need?
At least about 60 liters for a group of at least 2 fish. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid need?
Between 24 and 28 °C, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.
What fish can live with the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Cherry barb, Tiger barb, Betta fish, Harlequin rasbora and Neon tetra. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
Can the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid be kept with shrimp?
Not recommended: because of its size or instinct, it will eat shrimp.
