A striking dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater streams of the Peruvian Amazon (Rio Nanay basin). They require soft, acidic water and a sandy substrate, as they naturally sift sand for food. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become highly territorial during breeding. Leaf litter and driftwood are essential to mimic their natural habitat.
Apistogramma atahualpa At a Glance
Apistogramma atahualpa Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma atahualpa fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma atahualpa needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma atahualpa against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Apistogramma atahualpa Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Apistogramma atahualpa Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma atahualpa Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are larger with a pronounced sunset-orange to reddish coloration on the belly and face, accompanied by extended dorsal and anal fins. Males are highly intolerant of other males of the same species. Best kept singly or with a harem of females.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Sunset Male, Bull
Female
Significantly smaller than males. Under normal conditions, they are muted in color, but when breeding and guarding fry, they transform into a brilliant, striking yellow with jet-black markings and become intensely aggressive to any fish approaching the bottom.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Apisto
Apistogramma atahualpa Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma atahualpa, scientifically known as Apistogramma atahualpa, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Apistogramma atahualpa 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 28°C, with a pH range of 4.5–6.5 and a general hardness of 0–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma atahualpa is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male 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.
Apistogramma atahualpa Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma atahualpa, 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. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Apistogramma atahualpa Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Apistogramma atahualpa is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, 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.
Apistogramma atahualpa Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma atahualpa.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About Apistogramma atahualpa
How big does Apistogramma atahualpa get?
Apistogramma atahualpa (Apistogramma atahualpa) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Apistogramma atahualpa need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma atahualpa. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma atahualpa need?
Apistogramma atahualpa thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 4.5 and 6.5, and a general hardness of 0–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma atahualpa peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma atahualpa is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Apistogramma atahualpa live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma atahualpa can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Apistogramma atahualpa have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma atahualpa 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.
Top Tank Mates for Apistogramma atahualpa
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Apistogramma atahualpa based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
False Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus macrocephalus
Ideal Tank MatesBetta Imbellis
Betta imbellis
Ideal Tank MatesAmazon Leaf Fish
Monocirrhus polyacanthus
Ideal Tank MatesClown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Ideal Tank MatesCupid Cichlid
Biotodoma cupido
Ideal Tank MatesChocolate Gourami
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Apistogramma atahualpa
These plants pair well with Apistogramma atahualpa 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
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Apistogramma atahualpa
Apistogramma uaupesi
Apistogramma uaupesi
A stunning and rare dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater Rio Uaupés basin in South America. They are strictly blackwater fish, requiring very soft, acidic water and dim lighting to thrive. Males are famous for their spectacular, sail-like dorsal fins and lyretails. Like most Apistogramma, they are harem breeders and require complex environments with sightline breaks.
Banded Apistogramma
Apistogramma bitaeniata
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin. Known for their distinct dual lateral stripes, they are a bottom-dwelling species that requires soft, acidic water, sandy substrate, and complex environments with caves or leaf litter. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but highly territorial towards other bottom-dwellers, especially when breeding.
Apistogramma elizabethae
Apistogramma elizabethae
A rare and highly sought-after dwarf cichlid native to the extremely acidic blackwaters of the Rio Uaupés basin in Brazil. Known for its spectacular finnage and sensitivity to water parameters. They require pristine, very soft, and acidic water, alongside a fine sand substrate for sifting.
Hongsloi Apistogramma
Apistogramma hongsloi
A striking dwarf cichlid native to the Orinoco River basin in South America. They are popular for their vivid red, yellow, and blue colors. Best kept in blackwater setups with soft, acidic water and plenty of leaf litter. They form harems and require sand substrate, as they sift sand through their gills to find food.
Apistogramma Black-Chin
Apistogramma allpahuayo
A stunning dwarf cichlid from the blackwaters of Peru, formerly known as Apistogramma sp. 'Black-Chin' until it was scientifically described as A. allpahuayo in 2012. It is famous for the male's distinct pitch-black chin and its unique ability among Apistogrammas to undergo functional sex change (a female can morph into a functional male if the dominant male dies). They are harem breeders that require pristine, highly acidic water with leaf litter and a sandy substrate.
Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50)
Apistogramma baenschi
A striking South American dwarf cichlid native to Peru. Males boast a dramatically high, sail-like dorsal fin and vibrant blue/yellow coloration. They are cave spawners that require soft, acidic water and a sand substrate for their natural earth-sifting behaviors.