A stunning South American dwarf cichlid known for its distinct spade-shaped tail and brilliant color morphs. They are bottom-dwelling micro-predators that sift sand for food. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they are highly territorial when breeding. They thrive in soft, acidic blackwater conditions.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Find the right tank equipment
Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.
Water Parameters
Shop water care essentials
Keep water parameters stable with the right testing and heating gear.
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Standard / Color Morphs)
Males are larger, vibrantly colored, and possess the signature spade-shaped caudal fin. They are strictly intolerant of other males of the same species. Best kept as a single male per tank, either alone, in a pair, or with a harem of females.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Double Red, Fire Gold, Tefe, Male Apisto
Female
Females are significantly smaller and typically display a subdued yellowish-brown color. When breeding and guarding fry, they turn a striking, vivid yellow with black markings and become fiercely protective of their brood. Can be kept in harems.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Yellow Apisto, Brooding Female
Top Tank Mates
Amazon Leaf Fish
Monocirrhus polyacanthus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesKeyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
🟢Ideal Tank MatesStriped Raphael Catfish
Platydoras armatulus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesPeter's Elephantnose Fish
Gnathonemus petersii
🟢Ideal Tank MatesFire Eel
Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
🟢Ideal Tank MatesBristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cirrhosus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesAgassiz's Dwarf Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid, scientifically known as Apistogramma agassizii, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7.5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 4.5–7 and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
Due to its specialist needs, the Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male (Standard / Color Morphs) and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Browse aquarium sand substrate options to find the best fit.
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed. Find quality Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid fish food for this species.
Frequently Asked Questions About Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
How big does Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid get?+
What tank size does Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid need?+
What water parameters does Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid need?+
Is Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?+
Can Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid live alone?+
Is Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid safe with shrimp?+
Does Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid have any special tank requirements?+
Similar Species
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
A highly popular and vibrant dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon basin. Named for the male's flamboyant, crest-like dorsal fin. They are cave-spawners that require a fine sand substrate (which they sift through their gills) and plenty of hiding spots. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become fiercely territorial when breeding.
Freshwater Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
The most iconic South American Cichlid, known for its distinct arrowhead shape and majestic fins. While domestic strains are hardy, they remain cichlids: they are semi-aggressive predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras). They form loose shoals as juveniles but pair off and become territorial as they mature. Height is more important than length for this species.
African Butterfly Cichlid
Anomalochromis thomasi
A peaceful, colorful dwarf cichlid from West Africa. Unlike many cichlids, it is plant-safe and generally suitable for community tanks. It is famous in the hobby as an efficient biological control for pest snails.
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
A strikingly colorful dwarf cichlid native to the Orinoco River basin. Famous for its vibrant blue spangles and peaceful demeanor compared to larger cichlids. They are strictly thermophilic (require high temperatures of 27-30°C / 81-86°F) and thrive in soft, acidic water. As 'earth-eaters' (Mikrogeophagus), they sift sand for food and form monogamous pairs.
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
A vibrant and highly popular dwarf cichlid native to the slow-moving rivers of West Africa. Unlike Rift Lake African cichlids, they prefer soft, slightly acidic water and densely planted tanks. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but become fiercely territorial and aggressive when breeding, often digging pits in the substrate and claiming the bottom zone. They are cave spawners and require hiding spots like driftwood or coconut shells.
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
A hardy and relatively peaceful dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon river basin. Compared to the popular German Blue Ram, the Bolivian Ram is larger, much more forgiving of water parameters, and prefers slightly cooler temperatures. They are eartheaters (geophagine) that sift through the substrate for food, making soft sand an absolute requirement to prevent gill damage.