Looking for a colorful fish to set up a small single-species tank for? Or maybe you’re in need of a pop of color for a larger, peaceful South American-style community aquarium? Allow us to introduce you to the genus Apistogramma, which contains some of the most colorful dwarf cichlids to be found in this part of the world.
The amount of different Apisto species out there can be overwhelming, especially since some are easier to keep in the aquarium than others. Which one should you go for?! That’s why we’ve put together this list of 10 of our own favorites for you to consider.
Let’s dive into the colorful world of Apistogramma dwarf cichlids!
What’s an Apistogramma, anyway?
If you’ve been keeping freshwater fish for a while, we probably don’t need to explain this part to you. Apistogramma is one of the most well-known genera of fish in the aquarium hobby! These colorful dwarf cichlids hail from South America and have been fascinating aquarists for 50+ years.
Apistogramma is a large genus that currently contains almost 100 species, quite a few of which can be found in your average aquarium store. All are omnivores with a special taste for bug and worms, and most exhibit a strong level of care for their offspring that makes them very interesting choices to breed in your tank.
Mostly found in small, relatively slow-flowing jungle streams and rivers, Apistos like their tanks filled with branches, leaf litter, and live plants. Do check the natural habitat for the specific species you’re interested in: while many inhabit blackwater, some actually prefer clear waters.
Below, let’s have a look at some of the most common, colorful, and coveted types of Apistogramma dwarf cichlids to add to your freshwater tank. They’re perfect to keep on their own or to combine with inoffensive tankmates like Otocinclus, pencilfish (Nannostomus), Corydoras catfish, tetras, hatchetfish (Carnegiella), twig catfish (Farlowella), and the like.
Now, without further ado…
FantaSEA’s 10 favorite types of Apistogramma
Apistogramma agassizi (Agassiz’s dwarf cichlid)
One of the types of Apistogramma you’re most likely to come across in your local aquarium store is the lovely Apistogramma agassizii. Naturally yellowish in color, this species has been around in the hobby for a long time. This has led to the creation of a whole bunch of different color varieties thanks to naturally occurring morphs and selective breeding.
A. agassizii has an exceptionally wide natural range for an Apisto. It can be found all the way from the Amazon River’s main source in Perú, the Marañón, to the estuary where the Amazon flows into the sea in Brazil. Its habitat varies from clear to blackwater, but is always relatively slow-moving and strewn with forest litter.
This wide distribution may be due to the fact that what is considered a single species could actually be multiple—possibly dozens, according to scientists, but so far it hasn’t been officially revised to figure the situation out.
Whether one species or multiple, we think Apistogramma agassizii makes a great choice for aquarists looking to set up a biotope-type aquarium. A large tank isn’t needed, the species isn’t too sensitive as far as Apistos go, and how cool is it to be able to enjoy a tiny slice of the Amazon right in your own home?!
| Min. tank size (1 pair) | 15 gallons |
| Difficulty level | Intermediate |
| Temperature | 74-84 °F |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
Apistogramma cacatuoides (Cockatoo dwarf cichlid)
A. cacatuoides is probably the most popular of the Apistogramma cichlids, and it’s not difficult to see why. Those colors are something else, as are the males’ spectacular, cockatoo-like crests! At max. 3.2″, the males of this species dwarf the females, which grow to no more than 2″ in length.
Naturally found in the Amazon Basin in Peru, Colombia, and western Brazil, the cockatoo cichlid mostly inhabits slow-flowing tributaries. Like many Apistogramma species, it may be found in clear or blackwater, but its favorite habitat is always strewn with plenty of leaf litter. In the aquarium, use lots of leaves, sticks, branches, and ceramic flowerpots to achieve a similar feel.
As far as Apistos go, this one is considered one of the easiest to keep. It’s quite hardy and can handle a relatively wide range of water values, making it suitable for beginning aquarists. Additionally, the species isn’t known for being overly territorial—a common difficulty with cichlids—and it makes a great option for those looking to try their hand at breeding aquarium fish for the first time.
| Min. tank size (1 pair) | 15 gallons |
| Difficulty level | Easy |
| Temperature | 72-84 °F |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
Apistogramma hongsloi (Hongslo’s dwarf cichlid)
Wowza, can you believe the hues on this one? The color scheme of Apistogramma hongsloi males found for sale in aquarium stores is not naturally occurring, but rather the result of selective breeding—the wild form sports more muted coloration—but it sure is spectacular. Reminds us of a ripe mango!
The Hongslo’s dwarf cichlid is naturally found in Colombia and Venezuela. It inhabits small streams and rivers that contribute to two tributary systems of the Orinoco River, called the Meta and Vichada, as well as the grand river itself. The species mostly likes clear, clean waters with a pH under 6.
At a maximum length of around 2.5″, Apistogramma hongsloi is one of the smaller members of its genus. Some aquarists keep a single pair in tanks as small as 10 gallons, although we prefer 15 just to give them that little extra room to move and to disperse any squabbles. As always, lots of leaf litter, twigs, and live plants are ideal.
You can keep captive-bred specimens of this cichlid in calm community aquariums, as they’re not overly aggressive. Feed a typical Apisto diet of dried commercial foods, high-quality frozen foods, and live foods whenever possible.
| Min. tank size (1 pair) | 15 gallons |
| Difficulty level | Easy-intermediate |
| Temperature | 74-84 °F |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 |
Apistogramma baenschi (Inca dwarf cichlid)
Another spectacular choice for your dwarf cichlid tank is this beautiful number: Apistogramma baenschi. This species was introduced into the aquarium hobby in 2002, but not described—and given its official Latin name—until 2004. You may still find it for sale under its old denomination, Apistogramma ‘Inka’ or ‘Inka 50’.
A. baenschi is naturally found at relatively high altitudes in the Department of San Martín in Peru. Here, it inhabits small tributaries of the larger Huallaga River. These slow-flowing waters are very acidic (pH as low as 4.1), lightly tannin-stained, and strewn with branches and leaves.
Despite its preference for super low pH and conductivity in the wild, Apistogramma baenschi is actually pretty adaptable in the aquarium. Captive-bred fish will do well in a pH of up to 6.5. Just make sure to give them plenty of caves and hidey holes, because they can be on the shy side. We particularly love this biotope set-up we found that exactly replicates the species’ natural habitat!
This isn’t one of the more aggressive types of Apistogramma, although the males in particularly can still get a little spicy. Baenschis combine well with inoffensive catfish like Otocinclus or Corydoras, and they should also get along fine with small dither species such as pencilfish.
| Min. tank size (1 pair) | 20 gallons |
| Difficulty level | Intermediate |
| Temperature | 68-79 °F |
| pH | 4.5-6.5 |
Apistogramma ortegai (Papagei dwarf cichlid)
Here’s another one of those Apistos that has been around in the aquarium hobby for a while, but wasn’t scientifically described until more recently (2014): Apistogramma ortegai. This small (max. 2″) dwarf cichlid is found in eastern Peru near the village of Pebas. Here, it inhabits small, clear streams that flow into the Ampiyacu river, itself a tributary to the mighty Amazon.
Not that the species’ eventual scientific description clarified things much, mind you! Confusion remains about a variant referred to as A. ‘Pebas’, which scientists generally consider to be a color variety of A. ortegai. Aquarists are not so sure, suspecting it should probably be elevated to a species of its own.
Anyway, we’ve got to work with what we have. And what we have is pretty great: Apistogramma ortegai males are highly colorful. They almost remind us of killifish with their yellow, red, and metallic blue hues. In fact, German aquarists started calling this species “Papagei”, which means “parrot”, hence the common name of papagei dwarf cichlid.
As usual, the papagei dwarf cichlid does best in a tank that imitates its natural habitat. The streams it’s naturally found are relatively shallow, not much more than a foot in depth, and relatively acidic. The bottom is sandy and leafy, and although there’s not much vegetation present, you could definitely include some live plants in your tank for extra cover.
| Min. tank size (1 pair) | 15-20 gallons |
| Difficulty level | Intermediate |
| Temperature | 77-80.5 °F |
| pH | 6.0-6.5 |
Apistogramma panduro (Pandurino or blue panda dwarf cichlid)
Another highly beloved species among Apisto cichlid enthusiasts is Apistogramma panduro (sometimes incorrectly called A. pandurini). Although these fish may not look like much in photos aside from the colorful tail fin, they lend their common name of “blue panda cichlid” from the fact that they actually sport a subtle but beautiful metallic blue sheen all over their bodies. At 3″ for the males, they’re also relatively large.
Like many other Apistogramma cichlids, the blue panda Apisto is naturally found in the western Amazon region, specifically in the Río Ucayali drainage. Here, as per usual, it doesn’t inhabit the main river. Instead, it prefers the smaller tributaries and creeks, where the water flow is slower and there is plenty of overhanging vegetation and leaf litter.
The waters that wild blue panda dwarf cichlids are found in are very soft and acidic. In captivity, though, they’ve been found to be relatively forgiving and not quite as sensitive as some of the other species in the genus. A pH up to neutral (7.0) should be fine, though as always, you should stay on top of water changes and other maintenance.
Lots of leaf litter will be appreciated. Not only does it imitate the species’ natural habitat, but it’s also antimicrobial and forms a layer of biofilm that can serve as a food source for baby fish.
| Min. tank size (1 pair) | 15 gallons |
| Difficulty level | Intermediate |
| Temperature | 74-84° F |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
Apistogramma macmasteri (Macmaster’s dwarf cichlid)
How gorgeous is the red mask on the males of this Apisto?! One of the more colorful species on the list, A. macmasteri is naturally found in a small part of the Colombian Orinoco River system (specifically, in the Río Guaytiquía and Río Metica basins). It prefers clear-water rivers and streams with little in the way of plants but plenty of leaf litter and branches.
In the wild, this species is unfortunately becoming less and less common. The IUCN Red List considers the wild Apistogramma macmasteri population to be Near Threatened, for example. The area it’s found in is under extreme pressure from agriculture, oil and gas extraction, livestock farming, and more.
The IUCN has also pointed the finger at overfishing for the aquarium trade. The more dedicated Apistogramma aficionados like to keep wild-caught fish, but the result can be disastrous for the local population; here at FantaSEA Aquariums, we prefer aquacultured livestock for exactly this reason.
This dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum length of a little over two inches. It usually does well in pairs, although as with some other Apistos, some aquarists prefer adding an extra female in order to prevent the male from bothering his single partner too much.
| Min. tank size (1 pair) | 15 gallons |
| Difficulty level | Easy to intermediate |
| Temperature | 74-82 °F |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 |
Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella cichlid)
Another stunning choice for your Apistogramma aquarium, A. borellii is also known as the umbrella cichlid thanks to the males’ large, fan-like dorsal fin. This species is highly appreciated by aquarists not just because of its beautiful colors, but also its easy care.
Apistogramma borellii has a relatively wide natural range. It’s found in the Paraguay and lower Paraná river basins, which cross through southern Brazil down into Paraguay and northern Argentina. Notable is that the water here can be unusually chilly; these cichlids have been found in temperatures below 60 °F.
Although you can’t keep your umbrella cichlids in water this cold for extended periods of time, they may be fine without a heater if the ambient temperature in your home doesn’t tend to drop too low. Although like all Apistos they need soft and acidic water, these fish aren’t overly fussy and should be suitable for beginning aquarists.
Keep an eye out for the different naturally occurring and selectively bred Apistogramma borellii color varieties. The most well-known is called ‘Opal’ and has extensive beautiful metallic blue coloration on the body. Others may show more yellow, or redder cheeks.
| Min. tank size (1 pair) | 15 gallons |
| Difficulty level | Easy |
| Temperature | 65-73 °F |
| pH | 6-7.5 |
Apistogramma viejita
The word “viejita” is Spanish for “little old lady” and is a name often used for the smaller South American dwarf cichlids. We’re not sure why, because the beautiful Apistogramma viejita doesn’t make us think “old lady” at all! Quite the contrary: this little (under 2″) fish is colorful and active.
One of the rarer Apistos you can keep in your tank, you’ll usually have to buy this species from a fellow hobbyist, as they’re not currently produced commercially or available in aquarium stores. In fact, it’s important to ensure you’re buying the right fish: the much more common A. macmasteri is often mislabeled as A. viejita.
Naturally found in clear waters in the Colombian Meta and Orinoco river basins, this Apistogramma comes in a range of naturally occurring color morphs. Depending on the specific locality, these can have spectacular patches of red and other colors. It remains to be seen whether some of the varieties are actually separate species!
| Min. tank size (1 pair) | 15 gallons |
| Difficulty level | Intermediate |
| Temperature | 76-83 °F |
| pH | 5.5-6.5 |
Apistogramma nijsseni (Panda dwarf cichlid)
Another relatively uncommon Apisto species, this one is still a little easier to find than the aforementioned A. viejita. It has been successfully bred in captivity, even on a commercial scale, and is noted to reproduce pretty readily in the aquarium.
Apistogramma nijsseni is one of the only Apistogrammas that’s commonly coveted by aquarists for the female’s color and pattern rather than the male’s: healthy females sport a yellow body with stark black blothes. Panda cichlid indeed!
This species has a pretty narrow natural range, being found only in a few tributary streams to the Peruvian Ucayali River. These slow-moving waters are usually stained almost black thanks to abundant humic acid released by decaying vegetation. This can cause the pH to drop to as low as 4.0.
Male A. nijsseni dwarf cichlids can grow to a maximum length of almost 3.5″—not bad for an Apistogramma. Aquarists have noted the males can be particularly spicy, so if you’re interested in keeping them in a community aquarium, be sure to provide plenty of space to help disperse aggression. Adding two females instead of just one can also help keep the male busy.
| Min. tank size (1 pair) | 15 gallons |
| Difficulty level | Intermediate |
| Temperature | 74-84 °F |
| pH | 5.0-6.5 |
Other beautiful types of Apistogramma
As we’ve mentioned, the genus Apistogramma contains a pretty dazzling amount of species. In fact, new Apistos are being described all the time. What was thought to just be a color morph will turn out to be a brand new species, an unnamed aquarium fish finally gets its Latin denomination, or a previously unseen variety is found in an obscure jungle river: these little fish are full of surprises.
We’d need to write an entire ebook in order to discuss all types of Apistogramma currently kept in the aquarium hobby. After all, the above just discusses the most common and coveted species (plus our own personal faves!).
However, if you want more, here are a bunch of additional fish for you to check out:
- Apistogramma atahualpa
- Apistogramma barlowi
- Apistogramma kullanderi
- Apistogramma eunotus
- Apistogramma erythrura
- Apistogramma mendezi
- Apistogramma rositae
- Apistogramma steindachneri
- Apistogramma allpahuayo
- Apistogramma alacrina
- Apistogramma diplotaenia
- Apistogramma eremnopyge
- Apistogramma iniridae
- Apistogramma juruensis
Tip: If you like dwarf cichlids, remember that Apistogramma isn’t the only genus out there. Why not try the colorful Kribensis cichlid from Africa, for example?
Need help?
Interested in setting up a beautiful (blackwater) aquarium with a pair or trio of colorful Apistogramma dwarf cichlids? Or perhaps you’re dreaming of a different type of freshwater or saltwater aquarium for your home or office? We can help!
The expert team at FantaSEA Aquariums takes the work out of fishkeeping by designing, setting up, and maintaining your tank for you. All you have to do is enjoy it. Contact us so we can make your ideas reality!
