Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid is a freshwater fish found in rivers in Peru and parts of the Amazon. It’s named after Louis Agassiz, a Swiss-American scientist. This fish lives in clear, black, and white water.
While keeping this fish in an aquarium, it’s best to have several females for one male and tank size of at least 60 cm long.
Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid Interesting Facts
- Named after scientist Louis Agassiz, Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlids live in rivers across Peru and the Amazon.
- In an aquarium, keep multiple females with one male in a tank at least 60 cm long.
- They prefer water conditions with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0 and temperatures between 78.8°F to 84.2°F (26°C to 29°C).
- Females lay up to 150 eggs on cave ceilings and care for them until they become larvae.
Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid Habitat
Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid is found in South America, specifically in the Amazon River basin. It lives in the Amazon-Solimões River, stretching from Peru to Brazil and reaching the Capim River basin.
It prefers freshwater environments that are close to the bottom (benthopelagic). The ideal water conditions for this fish include a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0 and a dH range of up to 12.
It thrives in warmer temperatures between 78.8°F to 84.2°F (26°C to 29°C). This species is commonly found in tropical areas.
| Water Temperature: | 78.8°F to 84.2°F (26°C to 29°C) |
| Water pH: | 5.0 to 7.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.7 inches (4.2 centimeters)
Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid is a tiny fish that grows up to 1.7 inches (4.2 centimeters) long.
Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid Reproduction
Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid can lay up to 150 eggs at a time.
The female sticks the eggs to cave ceilings and looks after them until they become larvae.
Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Apistogramma |
| Scientific Name: | Apistogramma agassizii |
| Also Known As: | Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |