Macmaster's Apisto (Apistogramma macmasteri) Care Guide
Apistogramma macmasteri is a Colombian dwarf cichlid from the upper Meta River system, kept in soft, slightly acidic water.
Overview
Apistogramma macmasteri is a dwarf cichlid described by Kullander in 1979 and named after dwarf-cichlid enthusiast Mark McMaster. It originates from the upper Rio Meta system in Colombia and is known as one of the more accessible Apistogramma.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma macmasteri
- Described by: Kullander, 1979
Habitat
Seriously Fish and FishBase record the species from the Rio Guaytiquia and Rio Metica drainages of the upper Rio Meta system, Orinoco basin, Colombia. Seriously Fish describes it as a blackwater species that prefers dim lighting and soft, acidic conditions.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 C (75-82 F)
- pH: 5.5-7.2
- GH: 2-10 dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
The species is primarily carnivorous, feeding on benthic invertebrates in nature (Seriously Fish). In the aquarium it accepts live and frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia and chironomid larvae, plus dried pellets.
Compatibility
Per Seriously Fish, captive-raised specimens suit community aquariums, while wild fish are best kept alone or with small dither species and should not be mixed with other Apistogramma. The KB record lists it as bottom-dwelling and semi-aggressive.
Breeding
It is a substrate spawner that lays eggs in crevices. The female guards the eggs and fry and can become hyper-aggressive during broodcare, so the male may need to be removed in smaller tanks.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (assessed 3 August 2020), per FishBase, based on habitat-loss criteria.