Apistogramma agassizii Double Red

Agassiz's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii) is a small South American cichlid from the Amazon basin, and Double Red is a line-bred form selected for red through the dorsal and the pointed, lance-shaped tail that males of this species carry. Males are the larger and more colourful sex; females are smaller and plainer outside breeding, when they turn a strong yellow. They spend most of their time in the lower third of the tank, working between cover.

Aquarium care

• Soft, slightly acidic water suits them best, and they do well in tannin-stained tanks.
• Sand or fine substrate with wood, leaf litter and caves to claim.
• Dim lighting, helped by floating plants, and gentle rather than strong flow.
• Keep one male with several females, or a single pair, in a tank with broken sightlines.
• Females become defensive around a cave once they are guarding eggs or fry.
• Small frozen and live foods are taken readily alongside quality dry food.

A good fish for a well-planted tank of small, peaceful species. Small tetras or pencilfish moving in open water above them work as dither fish. Avoid boisterous or bottom-dwelling tankmates that compete for the same caves.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the dwarf cichlid collection for current stock.