All fish / Cichlidae

Macmaster's Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma macmasteri

Also known as macmaster's apistogramma, macmasteri, apisto macmasteri, red tail macmasteri, villavicencio apisto, macmaster dwarf cichlid, apistogramma mcmasteri, アピストグラマ・マクマステリ, 麦氏短鲷

A dwarf cichlid from Colombia with a dark lateral stripe, blue-grey to yellowish body and, in males, a tall dorsal fin and red-edged tail. It is kept for its bright male colours, interesting behaviour and manageable size in planted community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

One male with two to four females

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia, plus quality granules

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Colombia: upper Meta River basin (Orinoco drainage)

Breeding

A cave spawner; the female lays eggs on the roof of a cave and guards them and the fry while the male defends a wider territory. It breeds fairly readily in soft, acidic water with good cover.

Good to know

Males become territorial when breeding and may harass tankmates near the floor. Often confused with A. hoignei and A. viejita, so buy from labelled stock if you want pure lines.