Apistogramma cacatuoides (A201 – A203), often called the “Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid” is the most popular and widely available Apistogramma species. They are generally hardy and usually easy to keep and breed. Not only are they considered a beginner’s Apisto they are also spectacularly beautiful. Like most dwarf cichlids, the male and female are markedly different …
Apistogramma cacatuoides, the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid Read More »
Apistogramma agassizii (A 234 – A 243) is one of the best-known and most widely kept of all Apistogrammas. There are many different color forms/varieties in the wild and several colorful domestic strains are available. They are easy to care for and are usually great for a single-species or community aquarium.
Apistogramma baenschi (A188), is also known as Apistogramma Inka, Apistogramma Inka 50, or Apistogramma “high finned nijsseni”. These common names were used prior to the formal description of Apistogramma baenschi in 2004. Since its description, this delightful dwarf cichlid is usually sold under its correct name but it still pops up as Apistogramma Inca or one …
Apistogramma panduro (A 183, 184, 185) is a beautiful dwarf cichlid from northern Peru. This especially attractive species is also known as the “Pandurino”, “Blue Panda”, “Sky Blue”, or “Blue Sky” Apisto. They come from soft acidic waters but in captivity, they usually do well in fairly neutral water conditions. They are good in a …
Apistogramma hongsloi (A110 – A115) are fairly robust dwarf cichlids from the tropical lowlands in the eastern parts of Columbia. They are closely related to Apistogramma macmasteri and make good aquarium inhabitants. Several color varieties have been developed by commercial breeders in Europe and some of these strains are regularly available.
Apistogramma sp. “Steel Blue” is one of the most commonly available Apistos in many pet stores. Unfortunately, it’s one of the biggest Apisto mysteries of all time. The problem is that no one’s ever taken credit for discovering the species and no one has ever reported collecting a similar species anywhere in South America. This …
Apistogramma sp. “Abacaxis” (A227 – A228), also known as Apistogramma sp. “wilhelmi”, is a beautiful and interesting species that is closely related to Apistogramma agassizii. They have a unique facial mask that is usually a shade of purple and are strikingly colored fish. They do best in soft and acidic water and these conditions are …
Apistogramma atahualpa (A 175) is a colorful dwarf cichlid from Peru that was introduced to the hobby as Apistogramma sp. “sunset”. Although Apistogramma “sunset” may still be used as a common name for this fish, today it is increasingly sold as Apistogramma atahualpa and is a popular and hardy dwarf cichlid. About Apistogramma atahualpa Apistogramma …
Apistogramma hoignei (A116, A118) is a rarely seen dwarf cichlid that comes from the Orinoco basin in Venezuela. They are closely related to Apistogramma macmasteri and are easy to keep and breed. Unfortunately, they are rarely available in the USA.
Apistogramma gibbiceps (A209) is a slender-bodied species from the Rio Negro in Brazil. They are not common in the American hobby, but they do appear from time to time. Males are larger and more colorful than females with large males reaching less than 3″ and females remaining smaller. They come from soft acid waters and …
