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.
Apistogramma elizabethae At a Glance
Apistogramma elizabethae Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma elizabethae fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma elizabethae needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma elizabethae against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Apistogramma elizabethae Water Parameters
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Apistogramma elizabethae Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma elizabethae Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are larger, highly colorful (often with red/blue facial markings and a reddish belly), and feature dramatic, elongated dorsal fin rays. They are fiercely territorial against other males. Best kept strictly as one male per tank (with females) unless the aquarium is exceptionally large.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Apisto
Female
Significantly smaller and less colorful, sporting a greyish-brown hue normally. When breeding, females transform into a striking, vibrant yellow with stark black markings. Females become hyper-aggressive when guarding fry.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Apisto
Apistogramma elizabethae Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma elizabethae, scientifically known as Apistogramma elizabethae, 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 slow 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 elizabethae requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 55 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 4–6.5 and a general hardness of 0–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma elizabethae 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 elizabethae Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma elizabethae, 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.
Apistogramma elizabethae Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Apistogramma elizabethae 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.
Apistogramma elizabethae Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma elizabethae.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
Show 20 more tank sizes
Apistogramma elizabethae Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Apistogramma elizabethae 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 Apistogramma elizabethae
How big does Apistogramma elizabethae get?
Apistogramma elizabethae (Apistogramma elizabethae) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Apistogramma elizabethae need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 55 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma elizabethae. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma elizabethae need?
Apistogramma elizabethae thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–29°C, a pH between 4 and 6.5, and a general hardness of 0–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma elizabethae peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma elizabethae 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 elizabethae live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma elizabethae can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Apistogramma elizabethae safe with shrimp?
No. Apistogramma elizabethae 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 Apistogramma elizabethae have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma elizabethae 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 Apistogramma elizabethae
These plants pair well with Apistogramma elizabethae 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 Apistogramma elizabethae
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 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.
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.
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 Orange-tail
Apistogramma cf. eunotus "Orange-tail"
A beautiful South American dwarf cichlid known for its personality and stunning coloration. They are micropredators that naturally inhabit slow-moving tributaries with sandy bottoms and leaf litter. While generally peaceful towards non-cichlid tank mates (like tetras and pencilfish), they are highly territorial among their own kind and will readily hunt dwarf shrimp.