Apistogramma macmasteri, male
Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans
|
| Common name: | Macmaster's dwarf cichlid |
| Scientific name: | Apistogramma macmasteri |
| Synonyms: | (none) |
| Size: | Up to 3" (7.5cm), female smaller. |
| Origin: | South America |
| Tank setup: | Planted tank, with rock or bogwood caves. |
| Compatibility: | More peaceful than larger cichlids, but they will become territorial when spawning. |
| Temperature: | 24-28oC (75-82oF) |
| Water chemistry: | Soft and acidic, pH 5.5 - 6.8 preferred. Although the fish are more likely to look their best
and breed in their preferred water, they will usually adapt to slightly harder alkaline water in the aquarium. |
| Feeding: | Carnivorous: Will take dry foods, but live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae will be preferred. |
| Sexing: | Males are larger and have a rounded caudal fin with red edges. |
| Breeding: | Soft and acidic water of excellent quality required.
Can be bred as a pair or a harem with several females holding small territories. Provide caves with a very small entrance.
The female normally guards the fry, while the male defends the wider territory. Fry are normally free-swimming in about a week. |
| Comments: |
|
