A striking South American dwarf cichlid native to the Orinoco River basin. True A. viejita are extremely rare in the hobby; most sold under this name are A. macmasteri or hybrids. They are substrate-sifters that absolutely require sand to prevent gill damage. While generally peaceful in a community setting, they become fiercely territorial during breeding.
Apistogramma viejita At a Glance
Apistogramma viejita Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma viejita fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma viejita needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma viejita against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Apistogramma viejita Water Parameters
Water care products
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Apistogramma viejita Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma viejita Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are significantly larger, feature extended dorsal and anal fins, and display much more vibrant coloration. They are highly intolerant of other males in standard-sized tanks. Best kept as a single male with one or more females.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Viejita
Female
Females are smaller and generally have more subdued, grey-brown coloration. However, during breeding, they transform into a striking, vibrant yellow and black pattern and become hyper-aggressive to defend their fry.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Viejita
Apistogramma viejita Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma viejita, scientifically known as Apistogramma viejita, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 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 viejita 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 5–7 and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma viejita 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 viejita Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma viejita, 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. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Apistogramma viejita Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Apistogramma viejita 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 viejita Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma viejita.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Apistogramma viejita Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Apistogramma viejita 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 viejita
How big does Apistogramma viejita get?
Apistogramma viejita (Apistogramma viejita) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Apistogramma viejita need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma viejita. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma viejita need?
Apistogramma viejita thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–29°C, a pH between 5 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma viejita peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma viejita 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 viejita live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma viejita can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Apistogramma viejita safe with shrimp?
No. Apistogramma viejita 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 viejita have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma viejita 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.
Plants That Suit Apistogramma viejita
These plants pair well with Apistogramma viejita 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 viejita
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.
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.
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 baenschi (Inca 50)
Apistogramma baenschi
A striking South American dwarf cichlid native to Peru. Males boast a dramatically high, sail-like dorsal fin and vibrant blue/yellow coloration. They are cave spawners that require soft, acidic water and a sand substrate for their natural earth-sifting behaviors.
Apistogramma uaupesi
Apistogramma uaupesi
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.
Two-spot Apistogramma
Apistogramma rupununi
The Two-spot Apistogramma is a dwarf cichlid native to the Rupununi River basin in Guyana and the Branco River in Brazil. Like most Apistogramma, they are bottom-dwelling omnivores with a carnivorous tendency that thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with a sandy substrate and leaf litter. They are territorial but generally peaceful with top-dwelling dither fish.