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.
Two-spot Apistogramma At a Glance
Two-spot Apistogramma Tank Requirements
Will Two-spot Apistogramma fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Two-spot Apistogramma needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Two-spot Apistogramma against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Two-spot Apistogramma Water Parameters
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Two-spot Apistogramma Temperament & Compatibility
Two-spot Apistogramma Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are slightly larger than females with more extended finnage. They are highly territorial towards other male Apistogramma and should typically be kept as a single male per tank unless the aquarium is very large (120cm+).
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Male Apisto, Standard
Female
Females are smaller and generally more drab, but display a brilliant yellow coloration during the breeding season. They provide intense brood care and become fiercely aggressive when defending their fry.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Apisto
Two-spot Apistogramma Care Guide Summary
The Two-spot Apistogramma, scientifically known as Apistogramma rupununi, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6 cm and have a fusiform 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 Two-spot Apistogramma 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 30°C, with a pH range of 5–7 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Two-spot Apistogramma 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.
Two-spot Apistogramma Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Two-spot Apistogramma, 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.
Two-spot Apistogramma Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Two-spot Apistogramma is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Two-spot Apistogramma Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Two-spot Apistogramma.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Two-spot Apistogramma
How big does Two-spot Apistogramma get?
Two-spot Apistogramma (Apistogramma rupununi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Two-spot Apistogramma need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Two-spot Apistogramma. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Two-spot Apistogramma need?
Two-spot Apistogramma thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–30°C, a pH between 5 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Two-spot Apistogramma peaceful or aggressive?
Two-spot Apistogramma 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 Two-spot Apistogramma live alone?
Yes, Two-spot Apistogramma can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Two-spot Apistogramma have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Two-spot Apistogramma benefits from sand (sifters), leaf litter/blackwater, plants - densely covered, and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Two-spot Apistogramma
These plants pair well with Two-spot Apistogramma 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 Two-spot Apistogramma
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.