Apistogramma Macmasteri Red 3cm

Overview

Macmaster's Dwarf Cichlid Red is a selectively bred form in which males show a golden body, a metallic blue sheen and striking red edges on the tail and dorsal fin. Females are smaller and turn bright yellow with black markings when breeding. From the upper Meta system in Colombia, it suits keepers of soft-water planted or blackwater tanks.

• Adult Size: Around 5.5 cm (2.2 in) for males; females around 4 cm (1.6 in)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years

Origin

• Native to: Río Guaytiquía and Río Metica basins, upper Río Meta, Colombia
• Habitat: Shaded, slow streams over sand with wood and leaf litter

Feeding

• Diet: Carnivorous micro-predator
• Preferred Foods: Micro pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, live blackworm
• Feeding Habits: Small feeds once or twice daily; frozen or live foods bring out colour and condition breeders

Tank Mates

• Best with: Small tetras, pencilfish, rasboras, otocinclus, corydoras
• Avoid: Other Apistogramma, boisterous fish, fin-nippers, dwarf shrimp

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful towards other species; males spar with each other over territory
• Territoriality: Pairs claim a cave and defend the surrounding area strongly when spawning

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Challenges: Needs very soft, stable water and dim lighting to thrive

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft and acidic
• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 5.5–7.0
• Hardness: 0–5 dGH
• Flow: Slow
• Tank Size: Minimum 45 litres for a pair; larger for a harem

Final Notes

This species is often confused with A. viejita; the red form is a tank-bred strain. It colours best in soft, warm, dim water with dark sand, roots and leaf litter, and dislikes bright light. Keep a pair or a small harem with several caves. Females spawn in a cave and guard the fry alone, driving the male off in small tanks. A compact fish with outstanding finnage.