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.
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid At a Glance
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid Water Parameters
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Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid 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
Agassiz'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.
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.
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 Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
How big does Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid get?
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid need?
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–29°C, a pH between 4.5 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid safe with shrimp?
No. Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters), leaf litter/blackwater, driftwood (digestion/hiding), and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
These plants pair well with Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
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.