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 Resticulosa Marmor At a Glance
Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor Water Parameters
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Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are larger and display beautiful marbled patterns with striking metallic blue/grey and yellow highlights, along with extended fins. They are strictly territorial towards other males; keeping more than one per tank requires a large footprint (120cm+).
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Marmor Male, Show Male
Female
Significantly smaller than males and less colorful day-to-day. When breeding, females turn a striking, vibrant canary yellow with bold black markings. They are fiercely aggressive when guarding eggs or fry and will attack fish much larger than themselves.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Yellow Female, Breeding Female
Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor, scientifically known as Apistogramma cf. resticulosa "Marmor", 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 zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor 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 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor 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 Marmor Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor, 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. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor 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 Resticulosa Marmor Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor 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 Marmor
How big does Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor get?
Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor (Apistogramma cf. resticulosa "Marmor") 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 Resticulosa Marmor need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor need?
Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor 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 2–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor 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 Marmor live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor safe with shrimp?
No. Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor 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 Marmor have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor 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 Resticulosa Marmor
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
False Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus macrocephalus
Ideal Tank MatesBetta Imbellis
Betta imbellis
Ideal Tank MatesBanded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
Ideal Tank MatesAmazon Leaf Fish
Monocirrhus polyacanthus
Ideal Tank MatesCupid Cichlid
Biotodoma cupido
Ideal Tank MatesChocolate Gourami
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor
These plants pair well with Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor 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 Marmor
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.