Apistogramma Double Red

fish description – Apistogramma Double Red Care Guide ($Apistogrammacf.agassizii$)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

• Short Description: This fish is characterized by a sleek body and an elongated tail. The ‘Double Red’ designation refers to the bright red coloring displayed prominently on the dorsal fin and the caudal (tail) fin of the male.
• Coloration: Males exhibit brilliant red finnage over a body that can be blue, violet, or yellowish with a dark lateral stripe. Females are generally smaller and less colorful (often dull yellow/brown), but turn bright yellow when ready to breed or guarding fry.
• Fins: Males have larger, more colorful, and elongated fins, particularly the dorsal and pelvic fins, often forming a distinct delta shape on the tail.
• Behavior: Highly inquisitive and interactive. They are primarily bottom-dwellers that spend time sifting through sand and establishing cave territories. They are polygamous, meaning one male should be kept with several females (harem).

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons long is the minimum for a pair or trio (1 male, 2 females). 40 gallons or larger is necessary for housing multiple pairs or a larger community setup.
• Schooling: Best kept as a single pair or a harem (1 male to 2–3 females). Never house two males in a tank smaller than 40 gallons, and only if divided with clear territorial boundaries.
• Temperature: Tropical range: 72∘–84∘F (22∘–29∘C). Maintain stability with a heater.
• pH Level: Soft, acidic water is preferred: 5.0 to 7.0 (tank-raised specimens can tolerate up to 7.5). They require pristine water with minimal nitrates. Adding Indian Almond Leaves helps create beneficial blackwater conditions.
• Aquascape: Use a fine, soft sand substrate for sifting behavior. Provide numerous hiding spots and visual barriers using driftwood, dense live plants, rocks, and dedicated spawning caves (e.g., coconut shells or terracotta pots) for each female.

Diet and Feeding

The Apistogramma is a micropredator/carnivore that requires a high-protein diet.

• Staple Diet: High-quality sinking micro-pellets or cichlid granules.
• Supplementation: A varied diet of protein is essential for health and color. Offer small, high-quality live or frozen meaty foods daily: Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, Moina, and small Bloodworms (use sparingly to avoid bloat).
• Schedule: Feed small amounts 2–3 times per day. They should consume all food within a few minutes.

Compatibility

• Caution: They can be aggressive and territorial toward other bottom-dwelling fish, especially during spawning. Avoid Dwarf Shrimp and slow-moving or long-finned fish.
• Good Tank Mates: Peaceful, non-aggressive species that inhabit the middle and upper water columns. Examples include small Tetras (e.g., Neon, Ember, Rummy Nose), Pencilfish, Hatchetfish, and Otocinclus or peaceful Corydoras catfish.