Formally described as Apistogramma erythrura in 2008, this species was heavily traded for years under the name Apistogramma sp. 'Mamoré'. Native to the Mamoré River basin in Bolivia, they are highly sought after for the adult male's vibrant red caudal fin and elongated finnage. As benthophagous cichlids, they require a soft, sandy substrate to sift through, along with ample visual barriers like leaf litter and driftwood to feel secure.
Apistogramma Mamoré At a Glance
Apistogramma Mamoré Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma Mamoré fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma Mamoré needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma Mamoré against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Apistogramma Mamoré Water Parameters
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Apistogramma Mamoré Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma Mamoré Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males display striking elongated dorsal fin lappets, prolonged pelvic fins, and typically a bright red, rounded caudal fin. They are fiercely territorial towards other male Apistogramma and should be kept as the sole male in standard setups.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Red Tail, Male Apisto, Erythrura
Female
Females are significantly smaller and display a distinct, vibrant yellow and black pattern when entering breeding condition. They claim and defend small micro-territories, such as caves or under leaves, for spawning.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Yellow, Breeding Dress, Female Apisto
Apistogramma Mamoré Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma Mamoré, scientifically known as Apistogramma erythrura, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Apistogramma Mamoré 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 5–7 and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma Mamoré 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 Mamoré Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma Mamoré, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and 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 Mamoré Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Apistogramma Mamoré 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 and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Apistogramma Mamoré Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma Mamoré.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Apistogramma Mamoré
How big does Apistogramma Mamoré get?
Apistogramma Mamoré (Apistogramma erythrura) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Apistogramma Mamoré need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma Mamoré. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma Mamoré need?
Apistogramma Mamoré thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 5 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma Mamoré peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma Mamoré 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 Mamoré live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma Mamoré can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Apistogramma Mamoré safe with shrimp?
No. Apistogramma Mamoré 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 Mamoré have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma Mamoré 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 Mamoré
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Apistogramma Mamoré based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
False Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus macrocephalus
Ideal Tank MatesBumblebee Catfish (South American)
Microglanis iheringi
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesBetta Imbellis
Betta imbellis
Ideal Tank MatesBanded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
Ideal Tank MatesBanana Loach
Acantopsis choirorhynchos
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Apistogramma Mamoré
These plants pair well with Apistogramma Mamoré 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 Mamoré
Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor
Apistogramma cf. resticulosa Mamor
The Apistogramma cf. resticulosa 'Mamor' is a peaceful but territorial dwarf cichlid originating from the Mamoré River basin in South America. Known as the 'Thin-line Dwarf Cichlid', they require soft, sandy substrates for sifting and complex environments with driftwood and leaf litter to establish territories. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become highly aggressive during spawning and will hunt dwarf shrimp.
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.
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.
Two-spot Apistogramma
Apistogramma rupununi
The Two-spot Apistogramma is a dwarf cichlid native to the Rupununi River basin in Guyana and the Branco River in Brazil. Like most Apistogramma, they are bottom-dwelling omnivores with a carnivorous tendency that thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with a sandy substrate and leaf litter. They are territorial but generally peaceful with top-dwelling dither fish.
Barlow's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma Maulbrüter)
Apistogramma barlowi
A unique South American dwarf cichlid officially described as Apistogramma barlowi (2008), but widely known in the hobby by its trade name 'Maulbrüter' (German for mouthbrooder). Unlike most Apistogramma species which exclusively spawn in caves, this species is a facultative, biparental mouthbrooder. They thrive in soft, acidic water and require fine sandy substrates.
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.