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 Resticulosa Mamor At a Glance
Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor Water Parameters
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Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are larger and exhibit brighter colors, including extended dorsal and anal fins and distinct cheek markings. They are fiercely territorial toward other males; keeping more than one male requires a significantly larger tank (100cm+ length) with broken lines of sight.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Apisto
Female
Females are smaller and generally have a more subdued grayish-brown coloration. However, during breeding, they transform into a striking vibrant yellow with stark black markings. They are the primary caretakers of the fry and will fiercely defend their brood from any tank mate.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Apisto, Harem
Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor, scientifically known as Apistogramma cf. resticulosa Mamor, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4.5 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 Resticulosa Mamor 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 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor 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 Resticulosa Mamor Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor, 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, 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 Resticulosa Mamor Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor 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 Resticulosa Mamor Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
Show 20 more tank sizes
Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor 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 Resticulosa Mamor
How big does Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor get?
Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor (Apistogramma cf. resticulosa Mamor) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 55 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor need?
Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor 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 Resticulosa Mamor live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor safe with shrimp?
No. Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor 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 Resticulosa Mamor have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Celebes Halfbeak
Nomorhamphus liemi
Ideal Tank MatesWrestling Halfbeak
Dermogenys pusilla
Ideal Tank MatesMacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Melanotaenia maccullochi
Ideal Tank MatesExquisite Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia exquisita
Ideal Tank MatesEastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida
Ideal Tank MatesCrimsonspotted Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia duboulayi
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor
These plants pair well with Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor 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 Resticulosa Mamor
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.
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 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.
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 Mamoré
Apistogramma erythrura
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 macmasteri
Apistogramma macmasteri
A stunning, brightly colored dwarf cichlid native to the Meta River basin in Colombia. They are intelligent, sand-sifting micropredators that form complex social hierarchies. While relatively peaceful in a community setting, they become fiercely territorial during breeding. Soft, sandy substrate is strictly required for their gill-sifting feeding behavior.