Agassiz's Apistogramma - Fire Red - Apistogramma agassizii var. "Fire Red" Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
Agassiz's Apistogramma - Fire Red is a selectively bred colour variant of the Agassiz's Apisto, known for its rare appearance in aquariums and striking beauty. This variant is celebrated for its vibrant colouration and dynamic social behaviour, which make it a favourite among aquarists. Its fascinating mating rituals and parental care behaviours add to its allure.
This species is generally peaceful but may become territorial during breeding. It is best to house either a single pair or, in larger aquariums, one male with several females to form a harem, with sufficient visual barriers to allow females to establish individual territories. Suitable tankmates include Corydoras Catfish, Hatchetfish, Pencilfish, small Tetras, and Suckermouth Catfish.
The optimal aquarium environment for Agassiz's Apistogramma - Fire Red includes soft, acidic water in a biologically mature system, a dark substrate, dense vegetation, and numerous hiding places made from rocks, driftwood, and coconut shells. Floating plants can be used to diffuse light, and employing peat filtration and adding dried Indian Almond Leaves enhance the naturalistic setting. The aquarium should have a tight-fitting cover to prevent escapes, an efficient yet gentle filtration system, and frequent partial water changes to maintain low nitrate levels.
The "Fire Red" variant displays a range of body colours from brilliant yellow to vibrant red, accented with a purple/maroon stripe along the body and a red tail, sometimes outlined in white. It has a slightly elongated body with a low, even dorsal fin.
Availability
The Agassiz's Apistogramma - Fire Red is avilable from the following marketplace shops.
Finest Fins 
Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Agassiz's Apistogramma - Fire Red is straightforward, with males being larger and more colourful with longer fins, while females are duller and have shorter fins.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Apistogramma agassizii var. "Fire Red" |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1875 |
| Other Names | Agassizi's Dwarf Cichlid |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Apistogramma |
| Origins | |
| Approx Max Size | 7.5 cm |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | 1 Male + Several Females |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 4.0 - 6.5 |
| GH | 2 - 12 |
| TDS | 0 - 179 |
| ℉ | 72 - 84 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 29 |
Natural Habitat
Agassiz's Apistogramma - Fire Red is a selectively bred variant of Apistogramma agassizii, characterized by its vivid red colouration. While this specific variant is a result of captive breeding, the natural habitat of its progenitors is the soft, acidic waters of the Amazon Basin's slow-moving streams and tributaries. These areas are typically rich in tannins, which leach from decaying organic matter such as fallen leaves and wood, resulting in dark, tea-coloured waters. The substrate in these environments is often composed of fine sand and scattered with leaf litter, providing ample hiding spaces and breeding grounds. The dense vegetation and subdued lighting mimic the Cichlid's natural setting, offering shelter and protection from predators while supporting a diverse ecosystem where these fish can thrive.
Breeding
Agassiz's Apistogramma - Fire Red is a substrate spawner. Successful breeding involves starting with a group of juveniles and allowing them to pair naturally as they mature. The breeding aquarium should have adequate lighting and be well-equipped with sand, rocks, caves, and live plants. Conditioning the breeding pair with a diet of live and frozen meaty foods, supplemented with flake food for 2 to 3 weeks, is crucial to promote breeding behaviour and ensure peak physical condition.
During breeding, the "Fire Red" lays eggs in secluded areas of the decor. The female then guards the eggs and fry; the male may need to be removed in smaller tanks to prevent aggression. Eggs typically hatch within 2 to 3 days, with fry becoming free-swimming after about a week. It is vital to maintain excellent water quality and tank conditions to support the development of the fry, who initially feed on their yolk sacs and soon accept newly hatched brine shrimp. Brood sizes range from 50 to 60, and with consistent feeding and optimal water conditions, the fry exhibits robust growth rates. Sexual maturity is typically reached at about four months in favourable conditions.
Diet & Feeding
In terms of diet, the Agassiz's Apistogramma - Fire Red is carnivorous, thriving on a diet rich in small invertebrates. They forage among leaf litter and plant debris in the wild, preying on micro-crustaceans, worms, and insect larvae. In captivity, a diet that includes live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, supplemented with high-quality flake or pellet foods, supports their nutritional needs and vibrant colouration. Regularly feeding these protein-rich foods promotes natural foraging behaviour and promotes optimal growth and reproductive health.
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Published: 13 May 2024
Last Updated: 13 May 2024