Apistogramma Fire Red

Name: Apistogramma Fire Red
SKU: 15772
Availability: InStock

₹980

980 per Pair

The Apistogramma Fire Red is a brilliant, tank-bred color morph of the $A . a g a ss i z ii$ dwarf cichlid, distinguished by a striking combination of a pale orange or brilliant yellow body and intense red coloring on its fins. This territorial, inquisitive fish is a fantastic centerpiece for a soft, acidic Amazonian biotope tank.

Categories: Cichlids, Fish Specific

Description

fish description – Apistogramma Fire Red Care Guide ( $A p i s t o g r amma c f . a g a ss i z ii$ ‘Fire Red’ Strain)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$A p i s t o g r amma c f . a g a ss i z ii$ (‘Fire Red’ Strain)
Common Name	Fire Red Apisto, Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid
Origin	Amazon River basin (tank-bred strain originally from Peru/Brazil)
Adult Size	Males: 3–3.5 inches (7.5–9 cm); Females: 2 inches (5 cm)
Temperament	Conditionally peaceful, territorial, protective of eggs/fry
Lifespan	5–10 years
Care Level	Moderate (sensitive to water quality and large fluctuations)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

Short Description: Males of this strain are noted for their body colors ranging from pale orange to brilliant yellow, often topped with a purple/maroon stripe, and spectacular vibrant red tails and fins. They are curious and highly social with their keeper.
Coloration: Males showcase intense red coloration, especially on the caudal (tail) fin and margins of other fins, often with a pale orange or yellow body. Females are smaller and less colorful (dull yellow/brown) but turn a brilliant yellow when breeding.
Fins: Males have distinctively large, sometimes spade-shaped, caudal fins and elongated dorsal fins. The female’s fins are smaller and more transparent.
Behavior: Highly interactive and primarily bottom-dwellers that enjoy digging and sifting fine sand. They are territorial, especially the female when guarding her fry in a cave.

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons long is the minimum for a single pair. 20 gallons or larger is better for a pair or trio (harem). Tanks should be longer than they are tall to provide adequate floor space for territory.
Schooling: Best kept as a single pair or a harem (1 male to 2–3 females). In larger tanks (40+ gallons) with ample hiding spots, multiple females can be kept per male.
Temperature: Tropical range: $7 4^{\circ}$ – $8 4^{\circ} F (2 3^{\circ}$ – $2 9^{\circ} C)$ . Use a heater to maintain a stable, warm temperature.
pH Level: Soft, acidic water is preferred: 5.0 to 7.0. They are intolerant of high nitrates or ammonia and require a biologically mature and stable tank. Adding Indian Almond Leaves helps replicate their blackwater habitat.
Aquascape: Use a fine sand substrate to accommodate their sifting and digging behavior. Provide a complex environment with abundant cover: driftwood, dense plants, and several spawning caves (e.g., coconut shells or terracotta pots) for the females to choose from. Gentle water flow is preferred.

Diet and Feeding

The Apistogramma is an opportunistic micropredator/carnivore.

Staple Diet: High-quality sinking micro-pellets or granules, which are accepted readily by tank-bred strains.
Supplementation: A varied diet rich in protein is crucial for health and color. Offer high-quality live or frozen meaty foods daily: Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, Micro Worms, and small Bloodworms (in moderation).
Schedule: Feed small amounts 2–3 times per day. They are not prone to overeating, but all food should be consumed quickly to maintain water quality.

Compatibility

Caution: They are territorial on the tank bottom and can show aggression towards other small bottom-dwellers, especially when breeding. Avoid Dwarf Shrimp and large, aggressive fish.
Good Tank Mates: Peaceful, fast-swimming schooling fish that occupy the middle and upper water columns. Examples include Pencilfish (Nannostomus), Hatchetfish, small Tetras (Ember, Neon, Serpae), and peaceful Corydoras catfish.