Fire Red Apisto (Apistogramma agassizii) Trio (MFF)

Common Name

Fire Red Apisto

The Fire Red Apisto is a selectively bred color form of Apistogramma agassizii, a classic South American dwarf cichlid. This strain emphasizes intense red along the body and fins of the males, while keeping the elegant elongated shape and classic lateral stripe that make the species so popular with aquarists.

Origin and Habitat

Apistogramma agassizii is native to the Amazon River basin, found from the Marañón and Ucayali rivers in Peru through much of the central Amazon in Brazil, reaching as far as the Capim River basin and down to the estuary region.

In the wild it inhabits shallow marginal waters with little current, including small forest streams, flooded forest edges, and quiet backwaters where leaf litter, branches, and submerged roots accumulate. These areas often have dark tannin-stained water from decomposing vegetation, sandy or fine sediment substrates, and many hiding places under leaves and wood. The species is recorded from clear, black, and white water environments, which shows a tolerance for different levels of color and suspended material, although most aquarium-style populations originate from softer more acidic habitats.

Seasonal flooding expands its habitat into forest floors and side channels during high water periods, then contracts back to permanent channels as water levels drop. This seasonal cycle strongly influences feeding, breeding opportunity, and the availability of shelter.

Temperature and Water Conditions

For aquarium care, a practical temperature range is around 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F). This keeps Fire Red Apistos active and feeding well while avoiding unnecessary metabolic stress.

Wild populations are often recorded from soft acidic waters, with pH commonly in the 5 to 7 range and low dissolved mineral content. Many aquarium strains, including Fire Red lines, will adapt to moderately hard slightly acidic to neutral tap water if acclimated carefully.

We do not recommend chasing or altering water parameters except in special breeding situations. Stable conditions are far more important.

• Focus on zero ammonia, zero nitrite, and low nitrate with regular water changes.
• Aim to keep nitrate under about 20 ppm.
• Provide steady temperature with minimal daily swings.
• For breeding more demanding lines, a separate breeding setup with softer, more acidic water can be used.

Appearance and Size

Wild-type Apistogramma agassizii shows an elongated body with a dark lateral stripe, metallic blue and green highlights, and red or orange in the fins. The Fire Red strain intensifies those warm colors, producing males with bright red along the lower flanks and strong red or orange in the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, often edged with blue or white. The body can show a yellow to golden base with iridescent blue spangling.

Males are noticeably larger and more colorful than females. They develop extended dorsal and anal fin rays, a more pointed caudal fin, and stronger color along the body. Females remain smaller and more compact, with a yellow to tan base color and more subtle red accents. In breeding condition, females become a vibrant golden yellow with dark flank markings.

• Males: 7–8 cm (2.75–3.25 inches)
• Females: ~5 cm (~2 inches)

Diet in the Wild

In nature, Apistogramma agassizii is a small benthic micropredator. Studies show a diet dominated by aquatic invertebrates, especially insects (adult insects and larvae, particularly Diptera such as midges and mosquitoes). Additional prey includes small crustaceans, micro worms, and other tiny organisms found within leaf litter and fine substrate.

Feeding in Captivity

Fire Red Apistos thrive on a varied diet that mimics their natural insect-focused feeding.

• High-quality small sinking cichlid pellets, nano pellets, and fine granules
• Frozen and live foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworms, blackworms

Feed small portions 2–3 times per day, only what they eat in a few minutes. Live or freshly frozen foods are especially useful when conditioning for breeding and bring out the intense red and yellow colors.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Fire Red Apistos are territorial dwarf cichlids that form loose social groups (harem spawners).

• Recommended ratio: 1 male with 2–3 females
• Minimum tank for a pair: 15–20 gallons (thoughtfully scaped)
• Better for harem: 75–120 cm tank (≥75 liters)

Aquascaping tips:

• Soft sand or fine gravel substrate
• Plenty of driftwood, roots, leaf litter
• Multiple small caves (coconut shells, ceramic, rock piles)
• Break lines of sight
• Gentle to moderate flow, high oxygenation
• Tight-fitting lid (they can jump)

Suitable tank mates:

• Peaceful small tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish
• Small Corydoras and calm bottom dwellers

Avoid large aggressive cichlids, boisterous livebearers, and tiny shrimp (may be eaten).

Breeding

Fire Red Apistos are cave spawners with strong maternal care. The female lays eggs on the cave ceiling, fans and guards them, while the male defends the territory.

• Eggs hatch in 2–3 days at 26–27 °C
• Fry are free-swimming after about 1 week

Spawning triggers:

• Regular water changes with slightly cooler clean water
• Increased live/frozen foods
• Multiple cave choices

For best fry survival, provide fine leaf litter, Java moss, and gentle filtration. Moving a cave with eggs or free-swimming fry to a dedicated rearing tank greatly improves yield.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Apistogramma agassizii
• Common name: Fire Red Apisto
• Origin: Amazon River basin (Peru & Brazil)
• Adult size: Males 7–8 cm (2.75–3.25 in), females ~5 cm (2 in)
• Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
• pH: Often 5–7 in the wild; keep stable
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; softer better for breeding
• Temperament: Territorial dwarf cichlid, peaceful with suitable mates
• Diet: Insect-focused; accepts varied small foods
• Breeding: Cave-spawning harem breeder

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

Fire Red Apistos bring a bright fiery accent to South American planted or blackwater tanks. They show best color over dark substrate with calm lighting. Keep in peaceful, well-structured communities with small tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, and gentle bottom dwellers. They reward consistent care with stable parameters and regular water changes. A harem in a carefully scaped tank offers fascinating courtship, cave selection, and parental behavior well worth watching.