Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 7.5 cm. It needs at least 80 litres and 3 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Temperatura da água
22 - 29 °C
Valor de pH
5 - 7
Tipo de água
Água doce
Nível do tanque
Parte inferior e intermediária
Tamanho adulto
7,5 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 80 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 3
GH
1 - 10 dGH
KH
1 - 5 dKH
TDS
25 - 200 ppm
Condutividade
39 - 313 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Apistogramma agassizii; the verified classification records genus Apistogramma, family Cichlidae, subfamily Geophaginae, order Cichliformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid requires a stable harem with no excess of males. The minimum reference is 3 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid needs an aquarium of at least 80 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 3 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is carnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 22–29 °C, pH 5–7. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is a species to combine with caution, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least 3 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Use a secure cover and close escape gaps. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origem
Cosmopolita ou apresentadoAmazônia, Orinoco e Guianas
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Territorial
- Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid has a generally territorial temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Dieta
- Carnivore
- In their natural habitat, these fish are carnivorous micropredators that feed on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and detritus. In captivity, they should be offered a varied diet consisting of high-quality live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They will also readily accept specialized sinking pellets or granules designed for dwarf cichlids. A diverse diet is crucial for enhancing their vibrant coloration, promoting natural behavior, and supporting successful breeding attempts.
- Expectativa de vida
- 3-5 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 7.5 cm
- Proporção sexual
- Harem
- Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid requires a stable harem with no excess of males. The reference minimum is 3 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Twice daily
- To replicate their natural feeding habits, it is recommended to feed Apistogramma agassizii once or twice daily. Food should be offered in small portions that the fish can easily consume within two to three minutes. Overfeeding must be strictly avoided, as uneaten food will quickly spoil the water quality and increase harmful toxins. Providing small, frequent meals helps sustain their energy levels and mimics the constant foraging behavior they display in the wild.
- Carga biológica
- Low to Medium
- Although Apistogramma agassizii is a small species that produces a relatively low amount of physical waste, it is highly sensitive to organic compounds and nitrogenous pollutants. To maintain their health, a well-established and highly efficient filtration system is required, preferably one that does not create strong currents. Regular partial water changes are essential to keep nitrate levels as close to zero as possible. Neglecting water quality can quickly lead to stress, disease, or a decline in coloration.
- Fluxo
- Stagnant
- This species originates from slow-moving blackwater tributaries, creeks, and forest pools where the water current is minimal. Consequently, they prefer weak to moderate water flow in the aquarium and can become stressed in high-flow setups. Filtration systems should be adjusted or baffled to prevent strong currents that would force the fish to constantly expend energy. Sponge filters or gently baffled canister outlets are ideal choices for creating a comfortable and natural hydrodynamic environment.
- Risco de salto
- Yes
- While Agassiz's dwarf cichlids are not known as notorious jumpers, they can easily leap out of the water if startled or chased by dominant tankmates. This risk increases during territorial disputes, breeding periods, or when they are first introduced to a new environment. Therefore, a secure, tight-fitting lid or cover slides are highly recommended to prevent accidental escapes. Providing plenty of floating plants and tall vegetation can also help reduce their anxiety and minimize the urge to jump.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- Apistogramma agassizii is a cave-spawning species that is relatively straightforward to breed if provided with soft, acidic water conditions. The female will select a dark cave or crevice, turn a bright yellow color, and deposit her eggs on the ceiling. After fertilization, the female takes sole responsibility for guarding the eggs and fry, while the male patrols the outer perimeter of the breeding territory. Raising the fry is highly rewarding, and they can be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp nauplii once they become free-swimming.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- With caution
- The cohabitation profile is a species to combine with caution, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least 3 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Nível do tanque
- Middle/Bottom
- Apistogramma agassizii is primarily a bottom-dwelling species that spends most of its time exploring the lower third of the aquarium. They can also be observed moving into the middle water column, particularly when searching for food or interacting with peaceful tankmates. To accommodate this behavior, the bottom of the tank should feature a soft, sandy substrate that prevents damage to their delicate mouths and barbels. Ample ground-level structure, such as leaf litter, caves, and driftwood, will help them feel secure in this zone.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Nível trófico
- 3,3 ± 0,4 se
- Resiliência
- Média (1,4 - 4,4 anos)
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.01778, b = 2.98
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
Galeria de imagens
Imagens licenciadas vinculadas à espécie ou, quando marcadas, ao táxon representativo mais próximo.
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