Gold Redline Apisto (Apistogramma hongsloi) Trio (MFF)

Common Name

Gold Redline Apisto

A domesticated color strain of the Orinoco basin dwarf cichlid. Gold Red highlights a warm golden body with intensified red on the face, dorsal edging, and caudal peduncle, while the classic lateral band remains. Strain names vary between breeders and are not taxonomic ranks.

Origin and Habitat

Wild Apistogramma hongsloi occur in the Orinoco system of Colombia and Venezuela, especially the Río Vichada, middle Río Meta drainages, middle Orinoco channels, and morichales. They inhabit small slow creeks and leaf-littered margins with sandy or muddy bottoms, submerged roots, and tannin-stained water that is often very soft and acidic. Water can range from clear to tea-colored with pH frequently below neutral.

Temperature and Water Conditions

• Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
• Wild pH: commonly mid-5s to low-6s
• Hardness: very soft and low mineral in the wild

In captivity, stable clean water is far more important than exact parameters. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, nitrate low, and temperature steady. Moderate hardness is acceptable for general keeping; softer acidic water is preferred only for serious breeding.

Appearance and Size

Gold Redline males display an intense golden body with strong red on cheeks, fin margins, and caudal peduncle, extended dorsal and anal rays, and a clear lateral band. Females are smaller; in breeding dress they turn bright yellow with bold black markings.

• Males: 6–7 cm TL (2.4–2.8 inches)
• Females: 4–5 cm TL (1.6–2.0 inches)

Diet in the Wild

Wild fish feed on small benthic invertebrates among leaf litter and fine substrates — primarily insect larvae, micro-crustaceans, and other meiofauna.

Feeding in Captivity

Provide a varied micro-predator diet:

• Quality micro pellets and crushed flakes
• Frequent live/frozen foods: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, blackworms
• Occasional carotenoid-rich foods to boost red and gold coloration

Feed small portions 2–3 times daily.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Males defend small territories around shelters; females guard brood sites.

• Recommended: 1 male with 2+ females
• Minimum volume: 75 liters / 20 gallons
• Essential décor: leaf litter, tangled roots, multiple snug caves (botanicals, coconut shells, rockwork)
• Other needs: tight lid, subdued lighting, gentle filtration with high oxygen and low current

Peaceful dither fish such as pencilfish and small tetras encourage natural behavior.

Breeding

Cave spawners. For best results:

• Condition adults with live/frozen foods
• Provide multiple small caves
• Use very clean, soft, acidic water

Female lays eggs on cave ceiling or leaf underside and tends them; male patrols territory.

• Hatch: ~2–3 days at 26 °C (79 °F)
• Free-swimming: after another 5–7 days

Start fry on infusoria or powdered foods, then newly hatched baby brine shrimp. Leaf litter and fine plants promote microfauna growth. Remove male if he harasses the female post-spawning.

How the Gold Red Line Developed

Bright red and gold strains are domestic selections from naturally red-accented wild forms. Breeders intensified facial and fin red by selectively pairing the reddest individuals, sometimes mixing different wild populations of A. hongsloi sensu lato. Names like Rotstrich, Super Red, and Gold Red are breeder lines, not distinct wild populations. Color intensity can vary between sources and generations.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Apistogramma hongsloi
• Common name: Gold Redline Apisto
• Origin: Orinoco basin (Colombia & Venezuela) – Río Vichada, middle Río Meta
• Adult size: Males 6–7 cm (2.4–2.8 in), females 4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in)
• Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
• pH: Mid-5s to low-6s in wild; keep stable
• Hardness: Soft & low mineral preferred for breeding
• Temperament: Small territorial cichlid; best as 1 male with several females + calm dithers
• Diet: Micro-predator; accepts quality prepared + live/frozen foods
• Breeding: Cave spawner; soft acidic water improves success

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

This strain rewards careful aquascaping and consistent care with rich color and confident behavior. We recommend a carpet of leaf litter, 3+ tight caves per female, and occasional live food showers to trigger courtship. Pair with pencilfish or gentle tetras that act as dither fish without outcompeting them. A beautifully executed Gold Red tank is a true showpiece.