Apistogramma Agassizii 'Fire Red'

Apistogramma Agassizii Fire Red

Scientific Name: Apistogramma agassizii
Common Name: Fire Red Apisto
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: South America (Amazon Basin)

Description:
The Apistogramma Agassizii Fire Red is a striking dwarf cichlid, known for its vivid red and yellow coloration, with males often displaying longer, more elaborate fins. This species is well-suited for smaller, well-planted freshwater aquariums, and their peaceful temperament makes them an excellent choice for community tanks. They typically grow up to 3 inches and are a popular choice among aquarists for their manageable size and beautiful colors.

Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons (longer tanks preferred for swimming space)
• Water Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
• pH Level: 5.5 – 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH (soft to moderately hard)
• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel; they enjoy digging, so avoid sharp materials.
• Aquascape: Heavily planted tank with hiding places such as caves, driftwood, and leaf litter to mimic their natural habitat. Plants like Amazon swords, Java moss, and Anubias provide both cover and a sense of security.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is ideal, as they prefer subdued lighting conditions.
• Filtration: Gentle filtration, as they prefer calm waters; a sponge filter is often recommended to avoid strong currents.

Diet:

Apistogramma Agassizii Fire Red are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet.

• Preferred Food:
  • Live foods such as blackworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • High-quality frozen foods like bloodworms and mysis shrimp.
  • Pellets or flakes specifically designed for cichlids, though they prefer live or frozen options for optimal health.
  Feeding live food helps encourage natural hunting behavior and enhances their coloration.

Behavior and Compatibility:

• Temperament: Generally peaceful, especially compared to other cichlids, though males can be territorial during breeding.
• Tankmates: Ideal tankmates include small, peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, and corydoras. Avoid larger or overly aggressive species that could stress them.
• Breeding Behavior: Apistos are cave spawners. During breeding, the female will guard the eggs while the male patrols the territory. Providing suitable caves or crevices can encourage spawning behavior.

Special Care Considerations:

• Water Quality: Apistogramma species are sensitive to water conditions, particularly ammonia and nitrites. Regular water changes and monitoring are essential for their health.
• Territory: While generally peaceful, Apistos are territorial, especially during breeding. It’s important to provide enough hiding spaces and visual barriers to reduce aggression.

Lifespan: 3 – 5 years with proper care.

Notes: Regular tank maintenance and monitoring water parameters are crucial for keeping this species healthy. With the right environment and diet, Apistogramma Agassizii Fire Red will display vibrant colors and natural behaviors that are a joy to observe in any planted tank setup.

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