Apistogramma-Agassizii 'Fire Red'(40-50mm)

Apistogramma agassizii 'Fire Red'

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Body: Small and stocky with a robust, somewhat elongated shape.
  • Color: Males are known for their vibrant, fiery red coloration, with additional orange and yellow accents. They often have a contrasting darker stripe or bar pattern that enhances their striking appearance. Females are generally less vivid but can exhibit subtle hues of red and orange.
  • Fins: Males have long, flowing dorsal and anal fins with bright red and orange accents. Females have shorter fins and are less ornate.
  • Size: Males typically grow to 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in length, while females are slightly smaller, around 2.5-3 inches (6.5-7.5 cm).

• Behavior:

  • Generally peaceful but can be territorial, particularly during breeding.
  • Prefers to occupy the bottom and mid-levels of the tank and may establish territories.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum of 20 gallons (76 liters) for a pair. Larger tanks are preferable if keeping more than one pair or to reduce territorial disputes.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C).
  • pH: 6.0-7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
  • Filtration: Efficient filtration is necessary to maintain water quality, but avoid strong currents that might stress the fish.

• Tank Setup:

  • Aquascaping: Provide ample hiding spots and territories using driftwood, rocks, and dense plants. Apistogrammas appreciate having secure areas for shelter and breeding.
  • Substrate: Soft substrate like sand or fine gravel is ideal, allowing them to forage and dig.

• Diet:

  • Omnivorous; offer a varied diet including high-quality pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods such as worms, brine shrimp, and small crustaceans.
  • Supplement with occasional vegetable matter like spirulina or blanched vegetables to ensure balanced nutrition.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Males can be territorial and may show aggression towards other males, especially during breeding. Providing sufficient hiding spots and visual barriers can help reduce conflicts.
  • Females are generally less aggressive but can become protective of their breeding area.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and cleanliness.
  • Regularly monitor and maintain water parameters to ensure a stable and healthy environment.

• Health Care:

  • Watch for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like spots or lesions.
  • Quarantine new arrivals to prevent introducing diseases to the established tank.