Apistogramma Agassizii Fire Fish
£32.00
Apistogramma Agassizii Fire Fish
MALES only
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Description
Species Care Guide: Apistogramma Agassizii ‘Fire Fish’
Apistogramma agassizii (Dwarf Cichlid)
The Apistogramma Agassizii ‘Fire Fish’ is a captivating, selectively bred colour morph of the Agassizii Dwarf Cichlid, originating from the slow-moving, heavily vegetated blackwater tributaries of the Amazon River basin. These are sophisticated and intelligent fish, known for complex social behaviours and striking male colouration, particularly the vibrant red-orange hue of the ‘Fire Fish’ strain.
1. General Characteristics and Sizing
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Agassizii Dwarf Cichlid, Fire Fish Apisto |
| Origin | Bred Strain (Wild origin: Brazil, Peru, Amazon Basin) |
| Adult Size | Males up to 8 cm (3.2 inches); Females up to 5 cm. |
| Temperament | Peaceful towards other species; Territorial towards conspecifics. |
| Lifespan | 3 – 5 years with optimal care |
| Housing | Must be kept as a single male with two or three females (a harem). |
| Key Features | Males display an elongated body shape and highly intense red/orange colouration that contrasts with blue iridescence. |
2. Aquarium Requirements (Husbandry)
As micro-predators that inhabit leaf litter zones, A. agassizii requires an environment rich in cover, shelter, and dim light to feel secure and display their best colours.
| Requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum Volume | 60–80 Litres (approx. 13–18 Imperial Gallons) for a single pair or a small harem. A tank of at least 60 cm (2 feet) in length is required. |
| Filtration | Gentle, efficient filtration (sponge filters or hang-on-back with reduced flow) is preferred, as they dislike strong water currents. |
| Lighting | Subdued or Low Light is mandatory. Use floating plants (e.g., Amazon Frogbit) to diffuse intense lighting. |
| Substrate | Fine, smooth sand is preferred, as they sift through it while foraging. Avoid rough gravel. |
| Decoration | Essential for breeding/security. Provide numerous, small, secluded hiding spots like coconut caves, small terra cotta pots turned on their side, and thick bundles of driftwood. Abundant leaf litter (e.g., catappa leaves) is highly beneficial, as it releases tannins and provides grazing surface. |
3. Water Quality and Parameters
A. agassizii are highly sensitive to high mineral content and prefer the soft, acidic conditions typical of their blackwater habitats.
| Parameter | Optimal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 25°C – 28°C (77°F – 82°F) | Stable, warmer water is best for active health and breeding. |
| pH | 5.0 – 6.5 (Acidic) | The lower end of this range (5.0–6.0) is crucial for triggering breeding and maintaining prime health. Avoid alkaline water. |
| Hardness (dGH) | 1 – 8 dGH (Very Soft) | Use RO or rainwater mixed with tap water if your source water is hard. They are intolerant of hard water. |
| Maintenance | Frequent, small (15–20%) weekly water changes using correctly conditioned soft water are vital to maintain stability and low nitrate levels. |
4. Diet and Nutrition
These dwarf cichlids are carnivorous micropredators and require a high-protein diet for optimal health and colour development. They must not be fed vegetarian foods.
- Staple Diet: High-quality sinking micro-pellets or granules formulated specifically for cichlids or carnivorous community fish.
- Meaty Foods (Essential): Offer frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops daily or every other day.
- Live Foods: Live baby brine shrimp, grindal worms, or daphnia are the best options for conditioning breeding pairs and enhancing colour.
- Feeding Behaviour: They will forage around the bottom and through leaf litter; ensure food is accessible to them, as they are not fast surface feeders.
5. Compatibility and Behaviour
These cichlids must be kept in the correct social structure and with non-competitive tank mates.
- Social Structure: A harem of one male and two to three females is ideal. Keeping two males together requires a tank of 150 litres or more and carefully placed décor to break sightlines.
- Tank Mates: Choose quiet, non-competitive, mid-to-surface dwelling species. Ideal companions include small, peaceful Tetras (like Cardinal Tetras or Ember Tetras), small Pencilfish, and Hatchetfish. Gentle bottom-dwellers like Otocinclus or small, peaceful Corydoras are also suitable.
- Avoid: Boisterous, fast-moving fish (like large, active barbs or Rainbowfish), large predatory catfish (like the Asian Sun Catfish), and fin-nippers, as the male’s fins can be delicate.
- Breeding: Females will turn a vibrant lemon-yellow when ready to spawn and will fiercely guard their chosen cave/territory. Providing multiple caves is essential so each female can establish her own space.
Convenient nationwide delivery; you’re only a click away!
Our nationwide delivery service makes it easy to receive your fish directly at your door, anywhere in the UK, for a flat rate of just £30. This convenient service allows you to order up to 10kg of fish, with the assurance that they will arrive in excellent condition. To make the fishes journey as comfortable as possible we use Oxygen in the fish bags and heat packs in all the boxes of fish we send out.
For your peace of mind we enclose a slip which will explain what to do in the event of a fish not traveling too well.
We use a licensed courier to deliver your fish directly to you door and will be with you by 1pm the next day.
Our delivery days are as follows:
Tuesday for Wednesday delivery
Wednesday for Thursday delivery
Thursday for Friday delivery
Please put your desired delivery day in the Order Notes on the Checkout page.
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