Apistogramma-Viejita Red(30mm)

🐟 Apistogramma viejita

Vibrant, elegant, and full of personality, the Apistogramma viejita is a dwarf cichlid prized for its striking coloration and engaging behavior.

Color Development: Juvenile vs Adult

• Juvenile (30mm): Subtle, muted colors; body is mostly pale with faint hints of the signature orange, blue, and black patterning. Difficult to appreciate full patterning at this stage.

• Adult (~6–7 cm): Rich, intense coloration emerges with fully developed orange and red highlights on the dorsal, caudal, and ventral fins. Body displays contrasting horizontal stripes and a vivid blue sheen along the flanks, making adults dramatically more striking than juveniles.

Quick Profile

• Temperament: Semi-peaceful; territorial when breeding

• Care Level: Moderate

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Tank Size: 40L+ for a pair

Water Requirements

• Temperature: 24–28°C

• pH: 5.5–7.0

• Soft to moderately soft water preferred

Notes

• Best kept in planted tanks with caves and leaf litter.

• Juveniles require stable water and proper feeding to reach full adult color potential.

• Adult pairs display vivid colors and natural breeding behavior, creating a visually dynamic aquarium centerpiece.

The transformation from juvenile to adult makes Apistogramma viejita particularly rewarding: while juveniles are understated, adults explode with bright, contrasting colors and intricate fin highlights, giving hobbyists a dramatic payoff for careful care.