Flame Red Agassizii Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii)

The Flame Red Agassizii Dwarf Cichlid is a striking ornamental form of Apistogramma agassizii, admired for its intense red to orange finnage, elongated body shape and elegant cichlid profile. Males are especially colourful and can develop extended dorsal and caudal fin rays, while females are generally smaller and more subdued. Best suited to mature planted aquariums with plenty of cover and carefully chosen tankmates, this species combines beautiful colouration with fascinating territorial and breeding behaviour.

Common Name:
Flame Red Agassizii Dwarf Cichlid, Flame Red Agassizii

Scientific Name (Latin):
Apistogramma agassizii

Maximum Size:
Approximately 7–8 cm for males, with females usually smaller

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Flame Red Agassizii is a selectively bred ornamental form of Apistogramma agassizii.

The species originates from South American freshwater habitats, where it is associated with slow-moving tributaries, forest streams, flooded margins and areas containing leaf litter, submerged roots, wood and dense cover.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 5.5–7.0
Hardness: Soft to Moderate
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable

Temperament:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

The Flame Red Agassizii is generally peaceful towards suitable community fish but can become territorial towards other dwarf cichlids, particularly during breeding.

Males may defend an established territory, while females can become especially protective around eggs or fry.

Diet:
Omnivore / Micro-predator

Offer a varied diet including quality dwarf cichlid pellets or granules, frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm and other suitably sized foods.

Small meaty foods are particularly useful for encouraging strong colouration and natural feeding behaviour.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 70 litres

A larger aquarium is recommended for pairs, trios or mixed community setups where more than one territorial fish is present.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Flame Red Agassizii spends much of its time exploring the lower and middle areas of the aquarium around plants, wood and sheltered territories.

It may establish a preferred cave or covered area and become more territorial around this location.

Provide open swimming room alongside caves, driftwood, leaf litter and dense planted cover.

Community Suitability:
Community Fish / Semi-Aggressive

The Flame Red Agassizii can work well in peaceful community aquariums with carefully selected tankmates.

Suitable companions include small peaceful tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, Corydoras and other calm species that tolerate similar water conditions.

Avoid large, aggressive cichlids and highly boisterous fish that may intimidate or outcompete them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature aquarium with stable water chemistry and plenty of caves, wood and visual barriers.

Soft, slightly acidic water is generally preferred and helps encourage natural colouration and behaviour.

Fine sand is an excellent substrate choice and allows the fish to forage naturally around the bottom.

Leaf litter and botanicals can be added to create additional shelter and a more natural environment.

Pairs or breeding females can become territorial, so adequate space should be available for other fish to move away from defended areas.

Regular partial water changes and consistent feeding with varied foods are important for long-term health.

Because this is a selectively bred Flame Red variety, the intensity and distribution of red colouration can vary naturally between individual fish.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.