Apistogramma agassizii

Apistogramma agassizii (A 234 - A 243) is one of the best known and widely kept dwarf cichlids. They are the type of both the agassizii group and complex of Apistogrammas (for more info on Apistogramma groups and the A number system see Apistogramma.). Apistogramma agassizii are found throughout the Amazon basin and have the largest geographic distribution of any Apistogramma species. They have been found in a variety of habitat types and water conditions.

click photo to enlarge

This pair of Apistogramma agassizii cf. Rio Madiera have formed an excellent bond and each parent helps to care for their newly hatched fry.

Apistogramma agassizii was first described in 1875 from specimens collected in 1865-1866 by Professor J. L. R. Agassiz. They were first imported into Germany in about 1909 and have remained in the hobby since. This species has historically been one of the few Apistogrammas that has consistently been correctly identified by hobbyists.
Most of the Apistogramma species that were discovered early were kept and distributed under a variety of different names but agassizii have always been properly identified. This is probably due to the distinctively banded, spade shaped tail.

female Apistogramma agassizii in brood colors

This female A.agassizii is in her brood colors. The black markings on the side of the female can change rapidly and combined with fin motions and swimming posture allows her to clearly communicate with her brood and other apistos.

Agassizii are typically dimorphic with the male being larger and more colorful. Females are a dull color that can range from gray to brown to dusky yellow until they put on their brood colors. At this time they become a vibrant yellow with a very contrasting black pattern that may appear as a stripe or as a single spot on their side.

Apistogramma agassizii "Red Tail" is an aquarium strain that is the result of many selected breeding efforts.

There are many different forms of A. agassizii. Different geographic areas yield fishes in a variety of colors and patterns. Many of these are obviously agassizii while others seem to be different enough that they might be sub species or different species. There has been a lot of mixing of fish in the hobby and there are some very colorful aquarium strains that have been developed.

Wild strains offer a beauty of their own and if you ever have a chance to acquire wild fish I encourage you to do so. If you do receive a wild strain and you have reliable collection locality you should take care to keep the strain pure, or to sell any offspring as an aquarium form if you breed them to other forms.

Apistogramma agassizii are found in a variety of waters in the Amazon. However, they

Male A. agassizii cf. Rio Madiera

generally do best in soft acid water, especially for breeding. They will do quite well in pairs but in a large enough aquarium you will experience harem breeding if you keep a single male with several females. Agassizii thrive on live foods but will adapt to many different foods in the aquarium.

Apistogramma agassizii is one of the all time classic dwarf cichlids and if you ever have a chance, get some. You will find them to be great aquarium fish in a species tank or in the community aquarium.

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Fish Profiles & Photos South American Apistogramma agassizii atahualpa borellii cacatuoides commbrae geisleri gephyra gibbiceps hongsloi iniridae macmasteri ortmanni panduro paucisquamis rubrolineata sp. "Putumayo" steindachneri uaupesi xingu Apistogrammoides pucallpaensis Dicrossus filamentosus Laetacara curviceps Microgeophagus altispinosa ramirezi West African Nanochromis parilus transvestitus Pelvicachromis pulcher roloffi subocellatus taeniatus	Apistogramma agassizii Apistogramma agassizii (A 234 - A 243) is one of the best known and widely kept dwarf cichlids. They are the type of both the agassizii group and complex of Apistogrammas (for more info on Apistogramma groups and the A number system see Apistogramma.). Apistogramma agassizii are found throughout the Amazon basin and have the largest geographic distribution of any Apistogramma species. They have been found in a variety of habitat types and water conditions. click photo to enlarge This pair of Apistogramma agassizii cf. Rio Madiera have formed an excellent bond and each parent helps to care for their newly hatched fry. Apistogramma agassizii was first described in 1875 from specimens collected in 1865-1866 by Professor J. L. R. Agassiz. They were first imported into Germany in about 1909 and have remained in the hobby since. This species has historically been one of the few Apistogrammas that has consistently been correctly identified by hobbyists. Most of the Apistogramma species that were discovered early were kept and distributed under a variety of different names but agassizii have always been properly identified. This is probably due to the distinctively banded, spade shaped tail. This female A.agassizii is in her brood colors. The black markings on the side of the female can change rapidly and combined with fin motions and swimming posture allows her to clearly communicate with her brood and other apistos. Agassizii are typically dimorphic with the male being larger and more colorful. Females are a dull color that can range from gray to brown to dusky yellow until they put on their brood colors. At this time they become a vibrant yellow with a very contrasting black pattern that may appear as a stripe or as a single spot on their side. Apistogramma agassizii "Red Tail" is an aquarium strain that is the result of many selected breeding efforts. There are many different forms of A. agassizii. Different geographic areas yield fishes in a variety of colors and patterns. Many of these are obviously agassizii while others seem to be different enough that they might be sub species or different species. There has been a lot of mixing of fish in the hobby and there are some very colorful aquarium strains that have been developed. Wild strains offer a beauty of their own and if you ever have a chance to acquire wild fish I encourage you to do so. If you do receive a wild strain and you have reliable collection locality you should take care to keep the strain pure, or to sell any offspring as an aquarium form if you breed them to other forms. Apistogramma agassizii are found in a variety of waters in the Amazon. However, they Male A. agassizii cf. Rio Madiera generally do best in soft acid water, especially for breeding. They will do quite well in pairs but in a large enough aquarium you will experience harem breeding if you keep a single male with several females. Agassizii thrive on live foods but will adapt to many different foods in the aquarium. Apistogramma agassizii is one of the all time classic dwarf cichlids and if you ever have a chance, get some. You will find them to be great aquarium fish in a species tank or in the community aquarium. Visit our friends at TropicalFishMagazines.com Copyright This website and all contents and design, including images, are protected under U.S. Copyright © 2006 by Montana Exotic Tropicals. All rights reserved worldwide. Dwarfcichlid.com is for your personal and noncommercial use. No one may modify, copy, distribute, transmit, display, or publish any materials contained in dwarf cichlid.com without prior written permission. dwarf cichlid.com is a registered service mark and may not be used without permission.

Practical Information About Keeping, Breeding and Buying Dwarf Cichlids

Apistogramma agassizii