Macmasters Apistogramma - Gold - Apistogramma macmasteri Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
Macmasters Apistogrammas - Gold is a striking variant of the Apistogramma macmasteri. This particular variant is celebrated for its almost white body except for bright red shoulder, head, and tail areas., which enhances its visual appeal and distinguishes it from the standard wild-type colourations of its species. Ideal for aquarium enthusiasts who appreciate intricate beauty in aquatic life, the "Gold" variant displays all the intriguing behaviours typical of Apistogrammas, such as complex social interactions and advanced parental care.
The Macmasters Apistogramma - Gold is a generally peaceful variant ideal for community and species-specific aquariums. These fish exhibit a degree of territoriality during breeding, so a single pair should be recommended in smaller tanks. A harem structure with one male and multiple females is advisable in larger setups, ensuring the tank has numerous visual barriers as females establish individual territories. Suitable tankmates include Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Guppies, other Livebearers, smaller Dwarf Cichlids, Gouramis, Catfish, and Loaches. Avoiding larger, more aggressive species or housing them with other Apistogramma species in confined spaces is crucial.
The tank environment should offer ample cover and structure; options include ceramic flowerpots, plastic piping, and artificial materials. For a more natural aesthetic, incorporate a soft sandy substrate, branches, and wood roots to create shaded areas and caves. Dried leaves can enhance the natural ambience and support beneficial microbes. Low lighting conditions are preferable, complemented by aquatic plants like Microsorum, Taxiphyllum, Cryptocoryne, and Anubias that thrive in subdued light. Floating vegetation can help diffuse light further, while the filtration system should provide gentle water flow without strong currents, and extensive water changes should be avoided.
Availability
The Macmasters Apistogramma - Gold isn't avilable any of our marketplace shops, want to be the first to offer it?.
Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Differentiating between male and female Macmasters Apistogramma - Gold can be challenging. Typically, females are smaller and less colourful, except during spawning when their colouration intensifies to match that of males. Males are larger with more elongated and pointed dorsal and anal fins.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Apistogramma macmasteri |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Macmasteri Dwarf Cichlid, Macmaster's Dwarf Cichlid |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Apistogramma |
| Origins | |
| Approx Max Size | 7 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | 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 | 5.5 - 7.0 |
| GH | 1 - 8 |
| ℉ | 73 - 84 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 29 |
Natural Habitat
As a selectively bred variant, the Macmasters Apistogramma - Gold does not have a natural habitat but is derived from ancestors native to the Rio Metica and Rio Guaytiquia Basins in Colombia's upper Meta River system. Their natural environment includes narrow, slow-moving creeks and blackwater streams with a leaf-litter substrate.
Breeding
Macmasters Apistogramma - Gold are substrate spawners, typically laying eggs in tank decor cavities. In densely planted tanks, spawning may occur openly, and robust fry may survive by seeking refuge among the plants.
The female lays between 60 to 120 eggs per spawning, with the male fertilizing them post-laying. The female takes primary responsibility for egg and fry care, exhibiting excellent parental instincts. However, stress can lead her to consume her eggs, particularly with her first spawn. Post-spawning, the male should be removed in smaller tanks to prevent aggressive behaviour from the female.
Depending on the temperature, eggs hatch in two to three days, and fry becomes free-swimming approximately five days later. Initially, the fry feed on their yolk sacs, becoming more active as they mature. Suitable initial foods include infusoria, baby brine shrimp, and microworms. Once large enough, they can be introduced to the community tank.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily carnivorous, the Macmasters Apistogramma - Gold prefers a diet of live and frozen foods such as Artemia, Bloodworms, Tubifex worms, and Daphnia, supplemented with high-quality pelleted and flake foods. They tend to forage near the substrate, sifting for food.
Other Apistogramma
Published: 29 May 2024
Last Updated: 29 May 2024