Apistogramma agassizii
Also sold as Agassiz's dwarf cichlid · Agassizii · Fire red agassizii · Double red agassizii
Synonyms Apistogramma agassizi
Apistogramma agassizii is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 8 cm (3.1 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 75–84°F (24–29°C) and pH 5–7, is kept in groups of 2 or more, and needs a tank of at least 60 L (16 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Minimum tank | 60 L (16 gal) |
| Group size | 2 or more |
| Temperature | 75–84°F (24–29°C) |
| pH | 5–7 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| GH | 1–8 |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Apistogramma agassizii needs at least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
- Keep 2 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It holds at 75–84°F (24–29°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
- It can go wrong with Cherry Shrimp and Crystal Red Shrimp — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
- A group of 2 takes up roughly 41% of what a Dennerle Nano Cube 60L will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
How many should I keep?
2 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
75–84°F (24–29°C), pH 5–7, GH 1–8.
How long does it live?
3–5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Apistogramma agassizii | Apistogramma cacatuoides | Bolivian Ram | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 8 cm | 8 cm | 8 cm |
| Min tank | 60 L | 60 L | 75 L |
| Group | 2+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 75–84°F (24–29°C) | 72–83°F (22–28.5°C) | 73–81°F (23–27°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | Yes |
More livestock
Sources (2) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eatsaquariumbreeder.com
- What it eatsguidarium.com