The Marbled Apisto is a beautiful, diminutive South American dwarf cichlid. Like most Apistogramma species, they are bottom-dwelling micropredators that naturally sift through fine sand and leaf litter for food. They require soft, acidic water, gentle flow, and plenty of visual barriers like driftwood and caves to feel secure. As harem breeders, a typical setup includes one male and several females.
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) At a Glance
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) Water Parameters
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Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are larger, display vibrant marbled patterns, and develop extended fin rays. They are highly territorial towards other males. In an aquarium under 3 feet (90cm) in length, strictly one male per tank is recommended.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Buck
Female
Females are significantly smaller and drabber in color, turning bright yellow with high-contrast black markings when breeding. They are generally peaceful but become fiercely protective of their breeding cave and fry.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Hen, Yellow Female
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto), scientifically known as Apistogramma erythrura, 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 mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) 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 5.5–7 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) 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 Marmor (Marbled Apisto) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto), 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.
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) 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 and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto).
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) 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 Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
How big does Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) get?
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) (Apistogramma erythrura) 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 Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) need?
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) 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 Marmor (Marbled Apisto) live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) safe with shrimp?
No. Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) 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 Marmor (Marbled Apisto) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) 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.
Top Tank Mates for Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Melanotaenia maccullochi
Ideal Tank MatesEastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida
Ideal Tank MatesCrimsonspotted Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia duboulayi
Ideal Tank MatesFalse Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus macrocephalus
Ideal Tank MatesDebauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Pareutropius buffei
Ideal Tank MatesColombian Tetra
Hyphessobrycon columbianus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
These plants pair well with Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto) 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
Banana Plant
Nymphoides aquatica
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Fish Similar to Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor
Apistogramma cf. resticulosa "Marmor"
A striking, small South American dwarf cichlid originating from the Rio Mamoré basin. The 'Marmor' (marbled) variant is highly sought after for its metallic colors. They are peaceful community fish but become highly territorial when breeding. They require a soft, sandy substrate which they sift for food, and thrive in soft, acidic water with plenty of cover.
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.
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 Parrot
Apistogramma sp. "Parrot"
Apistogramma sp. 'Parrot' (often traded under its German name, 'Papagei') is a beautiful South American dwarf cichlid from the Peruvian Amazon. Like most Apistogrammas, they are bottom-dwelling micropredators that thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with a sandy substrate and leaf litter. Males are highly colorful and territorial, while females are smaller and turn an intense, warning yellow during breeding.
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.
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.