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.
Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) At a Glance
Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) Water Parameters
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Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Significantly larger than females with a massive, serrated dorsal fin and vibrant blue/yellow body. Highly territorial towards other males; strictly one male per tank unless the aquarium is very large (120cm+) with broken sightlines.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: High Fin, Inca 50 Male, Standard
Female
Smaller and less colorful than males normally, but turns a brilliant, striking yellow with black markings when breeding. Becomes hyper-aggressive when guarding fry in her cave, capable of bullying fish much larger than herself.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Breeding Yellow, Inca 50 Female
Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50), scientifically known as Apistogramma baenschi, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5.5 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 low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) 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 22°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 4–6.5 and a general hardness of 1–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) 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 baenschi (Inca 50) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50), 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, and leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) 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 baenschi (Inca 50) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50).
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50)
How big does Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) get?
Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) (Apistogramma baenschi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) need?
Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–26°C, a pH between 4 and 6.5, and a general hardness of 1–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) 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 Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) benefits from sand (sifters), leaf litter/blackwater, and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50)
These plants pair well with Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50) 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 baenschi (Inca 50)
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 atahualpa
Apistogramma atahualpa
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 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.
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.
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.
Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma trifasciata
A stunning dwarf cichlid native to the Guaporé and Paraguay river basins in South America. They are renowned for their striking metallic blue sheen and the male's spectacular sail-like dorsal fin. As peaceful micropredators, they are excellent for planted community tanks, but require soft, acidic water, stable parameters, and a fine sand substrate to sift through.