Elizabethae Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma elizabethae
The very rare 'Jewel of the Rio Negro' or 'Elizabethae' (5-7 cm). One of the absolute Grails of nano-aquariology, the Apistogramma elizabethae is a tiny, slender and elegant predator, originating from the most inhospitable and hyper-acidic blackwaters on the planet. Males show off an indescribable iridescent livery (with mirrored blue-green cheeks), a very high dorsal fin pointed like a lance and a splendid rounded tail. Severely intolerant and very fragile, it is a cichlid only for experts: it invariably dies if placed in tap water or if the aquarium does not simulate the pH 4.5 and the extreme tannic sterility of the Rio Uaupés.
Temperatura da água
24 - 30 °C
Valor de pH
4 - 5.5
Tipo de água
Água doce
Nível do tanque
Parte inferior
Tamanho adulto
7 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 100 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 1
GH
0 - 3 dGH
KH
1 - 2 dKH
TDS
10 - 65 ppm
Condutividade
16 - 102 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Extreme water species (Blackwater). Found solely in the Rio Uaupés and Rio Içana basin (Brazil). Lives among forest floods where the water is blackest tea color, with acidity lethal to other species and unmeasurable hardness.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Elizabeth's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma elizabethae). Named after Elizabeth Agassiz. Thin and tapered body; the male possesses a characteristic elongated lance-shaped caudal fin and high first dorsal rays.
Social Behavior: Extremely shy. Due to the low population density in its harsh habitat, it is less aggressive towards females than other polygamists. A male patrols the tank with discretion, hiding at the slightest disturbance.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Legendary "Red" livery: the male flaunts an incredible fiery red belly and reddish filaments on the pelvic fins, contrasting with the cerulean body. Females are petite, light gray, turning yellow with dark bands while brooding.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: Specialized 80-100 cm (32-40 inches) tank. Requires liters of tannins: sand bottom completely covered by thick layers of oak leaves, catappa, alder cones and intricate woods. Very low light (penumbra). No rooted plants needed.
Diet and Feeding: Pure micro-predator that sifts the "Leaf Litter". Scrupulously feed it with very small live prey: moina, brine shrimp nauplii, grindal worms and bloodworms. Dry industrial foods are usually spat out or ignored.
Water Quality: The Grail for aquarium chemists: demands zero KH and GH and a pH between 4.0 and 5.5 (strongly acidic). High temperatures (26-30°C / 79-86°F). If the values are not optimal, it will never show its red belly and will starve to death.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Strictly species-specific or exclusively paired with very few slow and peaceful Blackwater Characins (Nannostomus eques). Any lively or voraciously feeding fish will terrify it inducing lethal stress.
Aquarium Breeding: Among the most difficult in the world. Triggers only if pH < 5.0 and zero KH. The female lays microscopic eggs in the narrowest crevice possible; hatching is long. The tiny fry must be fed with paramecia (infusoria), ignoring even nauplii.
Risks and Diseases: An "experts only" species. Yields instantaneously to bacteriosis (e.g. ulcerations or fin rot) as soon as it is exposed to tap waters with neutral pH or perceptible mineral hardness.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Extreme water species (Blackwater). Found solely in the Rio Uaupés and Rio Içana basin (Brazil). Lives among forest floods where the water is blackest tea color, with acidity lethal to other species and unmeasurable hardness.
Origem
Amazônia, Orinoco e GuianasAmérica do NorteEuropa, Mediterrâneo e Ásia Ocidental
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Semi-aggressive
- It has a shy and territorial temperament, particularly during the mating period. Males vigorously defend their territory from rivals, engaging in spectacular displays to attract females. It spends much of its time in the lower, shaded zones of the aquarium, sheltered among plants.
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- This is a specialized micropredator that requires high-quality live or frozen foods. Adult brine shrimp, nauplii, daphnia, bloodworms, and copepods form the ideal nutritional base to maintain the vibrancy of its colors. It rarely accepts commercial dry foods, which should be limited to high-quality specialized products.
- Expectativa de vida
- 3-5 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 7 cm
- Proporção sexual
- Harem
- This species is best kept in a single compatible pair or in a harem consisting of one male and multiple females, depending on the tank size. In smaller setups, keeping a single pair is the safest option to avoid territorial stress and territorial squabbles. In larger aquariums with plenty of visual barriers, a harem with one male and two or three females can thrive, as it allows each female to establish her own territory. Providing multiple caves is essential so that each female has a secure shelter to retreat to and breed.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Twice daily
- It is recommended to feed this species once or twice daily, preferring small portions distributed carefully. This method prevents overfeeding and ensures that all food is consumed without polluting the tank. Offering small live crustaceans stimulates their predatory activity and keeps them active.
- Carga biológica
- Low to Medium
- Apistogramma elizabethae produces a relatively low biological waste load due to its small size, but it requires exceptionally clean water conditions. They are highly sensitive to any accumulation of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, making efficient and mature biological filtration crucial. Gentle filtration, such as air-driven sponge filters, is ideal to prevent strong currents while maintaining pristine water quality. Regular, small water changes combined with the introduction of humic substances are necessary to control the organic load and support their delicate immune system.
- Fluxo
- Stagnant
- It prefers extremely weak to moderate water currents, recreating the slow-moving water flows of Amazonian blackwater rivers. A strong current can cause prolonged stress and make swimming difficult for this elongated-bodied species. Natural barriers like roots and driftwood are recommended to buffer the filter flow.
- Risco de salto
- Yes
- While not active jump enthusiasts, Apistogramma elizabethae can jump out of the aquarium if startled, chased, or stressed by dominant tank mates. A secure, tight-fitting lid or cover slide is highly recommended to prevent accidental escapes. Sudden changes in lighting or disturbances during tank maintenance can trigger a flight response, leading to jumping behavior. The presence of floating plants and dense wood structures provides security, significantly minimizing this risk.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- A highly demanding cave breeder, requiring very acidic pH (often below 5.0) and minimal conductivity to induce spawning. The female lays eggs in small crevices or on the ceiling of natural or artificial caves. She fiercely cares for the brood, displaying a strong protective instinct toward the fry and excluding the male.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- With caution
- Compatible with very peaceful and small fish that do not compete for space on the bottom. Small characins and pencilfish are excellent tank mates, while active catfish like Corydoras should be avoided. Due to their shyness, it is crucial to avoid overly active or aggressive companions.
- Nível do tanque
- Bottom
- Apistogramma elizabethae is a bottom-dwelling cichlid that spends almost all of its time in the lower levels of the aquarium. They actively explore the substrate, sifting through sand and navigating around leaf litter, roots, and low-lying caves. They rarely venture into the middle and upper levels of the water column, except occasionally during feeding or courtship displays. Ensuring a spacious floor area with plenty of cover is vital to accommodate their natural swimming zone preferences.
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 = 0.0182, b = 2.99
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
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