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 Orange-tail At a Glance
Apistogramma Orange-tail Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma Orange-tail fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma Orange-tail needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma Orange-tail against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Apistogramma Orange-tail Water Parameters
Water care products
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Apistogramma Orange-tail Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma Orange-tail Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are significantly larger and display the namesake bright orange caudal (tail) fin, along with blue and yellow body iridescence and extended dorsal fins. Highly intolerant of other males. Strictly one male per tank is recommended unless the aquarium is extremely large (120cm+) with broken lines of sight.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Apisto, Show Male
Female
Significantly smaller, lacking the orange tail and fin extensions. Females are typically a drab grayish-yellow, transforming into a vibrant, striking yellow with dark black contrasting patterns when breeding or guarding fry. Fiercely protective mothers.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Apisto, Yellow Apisto
Apistogramma Orange-tail Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma Orange-tail, scientifically known as Apistogramma cf. eunotus "Orange-tail", 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 semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Apistogramma Orange-tail 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 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.2 and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma Orange-tail 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 Orange-tail Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma Orange-tail, 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.
Apistogramma Orange-tail Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Apistogramma Orange-tail 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 and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Apistogramma Orange-tail Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma Orange-tail.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Apistogramma Orange-tail Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Apistogramma Orange-tail 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 Orange-tail
How big does Apistogramma Orange-tail get?
Apistogramma Orange-tail (Apistogramma cf. eunotus "Orange-tail") 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 Orange-tail need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma Orange-tail. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma Orange-tail need?
Apistogramma Orange-tail thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.2, and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma Orange-tail peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma Orange-tail 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 Orange-tail live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma Orange-tail can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Apistogramma Orange-tail safe with shrimp?
No. Apistogramma Orange-tail 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 Orange-tail have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma Orange-tail 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 Orange-tail
These plants pair well with Apistogramma Orange-tail 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 Orange-tail
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.
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 Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
Apistogramma erythrura
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 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 Broad-banded
Apistogramma breitbinden
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid from the upper Orinoco basin, formally described in 2011 as Apistogramma megaptera. They are named for the broad, dark band extending across their face. As a blackwater species, they demand warm, soft, highly acidic water to thrive. While generally peaceful in a community setting, they are fiercely territorial substrate-spawners.
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid known for its distinct spade-shaped tail and brilliant color morphs. They are bottom-dwelling micro-predators that sift sand for food. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they are highly territorial when breeding. They thrive in soft, acidic blackwater conditions.