Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid "Gold" (Apistogramma agassizii) Care Guide
A golden ornamental form of Apistogramma agassizii, an Amazonian dwarf cichlid kept in soft, warm water with leaf litter and shade.
Overview
Apistogramma agassizii is a small, sexually dimorphic dwarf cichlid with a wide Amazonian range. Males are larger and more colourful, with extended fins. The "Gold" form is a selectively bred colour strain emphasising golden-yellow body tones; in the wild, body coloration of the species varies by locality.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma agassizii "Gold"
- Described by: Steindachner, 1875
Habitat
The species is distributed widely across the Amazon and Solimões basins, from the Río Ucayali in Peru eastward across Brazil to roughly the Capim River. It lives in slower tributaries, backwaters and creeks where leaf litter collects, across black, white and clear water depending on locality.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-29 °C (75-84 °F)
- pH: 5.0-6.8
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Provide a soft, sandy substrate with wood, roots and dried leaves to create caves and shaded retreats. Dim lighting is preferred.
Diet
Primarily carnivorous, feeding on benthic invertebrates in nature. In aquaria it takes live and frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm, plus sinking prepared foods.
Compatibility
A bottom-oriented, semi-aggressive species. Captive-bred fish suit community setups with small dither fishes; avoid mixing with other Apistogramma, angelfish or aggressive cichlids. Compatible companions include cardinal tetra, lemon tetra, Sterbai corydoras and hatchetfish.
Breeding
A cave/substrate spawner: eggs are deposited in a cavity and the female cares for the eggs and fry. Females may become aggressive while guarding, and the male may need removal in smaller tanks. Spawning is partial.