A stunning and rare dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater Rio Uaupés basin in South America. They are strictly blackwater fish, requiring very soft, acidic water and dim lighting to thrive. Males are famous for their spectacular, sail-like dorsal fins and lyretails. Like most Apistogramma, they are harem breeders and require complex environments with sightline breaks.
Apistogramma uaupesi At a Glance
Apistogramma uaupesi Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma uaupesi fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma uaupesi needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma uaupesi against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Apistogramma uaupesi Water Parameters
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Apistogramma uaupesi Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma uaupesi Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are slightly larger and boast an incredible, exaggerated sail-like dorsal fin and extended lyretail. They are fiercely territorial toward other males and should be kept singly per tank unless the aquarium is exceptionally large (120cm+).
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Uaupesi, Sailfin
Female
Females are significantly smaller and lack the extravagant fins of the male. They exhibit a drabber brownish-grey coloration that turns into a brilliant, intense yellow with contrasting black markings when breeding or guarding fry. Best kept in harems of 2-3 females per male.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Uaupesi, Breeding Female
Apistogramma uaupesi Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma uaupesi, scientifically known as Apistogramma uaupesi, 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 semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Apistogramma uaupesi 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 29°C, with a pH range of 4–6 and a general hardness of 0–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma uaupesi 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 uaupesi Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma uaupesi, 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.
Apistogramma uaupesi Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Apistogramma uaupesi 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 uaupesi Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma uaupesi.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Apistogramma uaupesi Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Apistogramma uaupesi 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 uaupesi
How big does Apistogramma uaupesi get?
Apistogramma uaupesi (Apistogramma uaupesi) 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 uaupesi need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma uaupesi. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma uaupesi need?
Apistogramma uaupesi thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–29°C, a pH between 4 and 6, and a general hardness of 0–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma uaupesi peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma uaupesi 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 uaupesi live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma uaupesi can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Apistogramma uaupesi safe with shrimp?
No. Apistogramma uaupesi 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 uaupesi have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma uaupesi 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 uaupesi
These plants pair well with Apistogramma uaupesi 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 uaupesi
Apistogramma elizabethae
Apistogramma elizabethae
A rare and highly sought-after dwarf cichlid native to the extremely acidic blackwaters of the Rio Uaupés basin in Brazil. Known for its spectacular finnage and sensitivity to water parameters. They require pristine, very soft, and acidic water, alongside a fine sand substrate for sifting.
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.
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 Black-Chin
Apistogramma allpahuayo
A stunning dwarf cichlid from the blackwaters of Peru, formerly known as Apistogramma sp. 'Black-Chin' until it was scientifically described as A. allpahuayo in 2012. It is famous for the male's distinct pitch-black chin and its unique ability among Apistogrammas to undergo functional sex change (a female can morph into a functional male if the dominant male dies). They are harem breeders that require pristine, highly acidic water with leaf litter and a sandy substrate.
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.
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.