Red Shoulder Apisto (Apistogramma macmasteri) Pair

Common Name

Red Shoulder Macmasteri

Origin and Habitat

Apistogramma macmasteri comes from the Meta River basin in Colombia, a warm lowland tributary of the Orinoco. In the wild they inhabit slow-moving tributaries, backwaters, and flooded forest edges with soft, shallow water. The substrate is typically fine sand covered in leaf litter, fallen branches, and tangled roots. Water is usually tea-colored from tannins, with plenty of shaded pockets and gentle flow.

The Red Shoulder morph originates from naturally occurring color variants in this region that have been selectively line-bred in captivity.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Red Shoulder Macmasteri thrive in warm, stable conditions.

• Temperature: 76–82 °F (24–28 °C)
• pH: Naturally 5.5–7.0, but stable clean water matters more than exact values
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard is fine; softer water helps breeding

They adapt well to conditioned tap water for everyday keeping. Regular water changes are far more important than chasing perfect parameters.

Appearance and Size

One of the most striking Apistogramma morphs. Males display a bright red to orange patch across the upper shoulder and into the front of the dorsal fin, especially intense during flaring or courtship. The body shows metallic blue-green spangling and darker vertical bars when excited.

Males have elongated dorsal and anal fins and a stronger head shape. Females are smaller with rounder fins; when guarding eggs/fry they turn rich golden yellow with bold black markings.

• Males: 3–3.5 inches (7.5–9 cm)
• Females: 2–2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm)

Other popular forms include Super Red, Double Red, Yellow, and wild-type Meta River.

Diet in the Wild

Constant foragers that pick through leaf litter, sand, and debris for insect larvae, small crustaceans, micro worms, other invertebrates, biofilm, and microorganisms.

Feeding in Captivity

Offer a varied, protein-rich diet:

• High-quality micro pellets, fine granules, and flakes
• Frozen/live foods: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworms

Multiple small feedings per day are ideal. Regular live/frozen foods enhance color and trigger breeding behavior.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Intelligent, expressive dwarf cichlids that are confident in peaceful setups but need plenty of cover.

• Minimum tank for pair/trio: 20 gallon long
• Substrate: fine sand or smooth gravel
• Include: leaf litter, driftwood, dense plants, floating plants, multiple caves (coconut shells, ceramic, rock piles)
• Break lines of sight for subdominant fish

Good tank mates:

• Small peaceful tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish
• Calm Corydoras and similar bottom dwellers

Avoid fin-nippers and large aggressive species.

Breeding

Cave spawners with strong maternal care.

• Female cleans cave roof/back wall and lays eggs
• Male fertilizes and defends territory
• Eggs hatch in 2–3 days; fry free-swimming after several more days

Feeding fry: start with infusoria and powdered foods, quickly move to freshly hatched baby brine shrimp. Gentle filtration and frequent small water changes are essential.

Breeder’s Tips

• Use leaf litter, wood, and tight caves to reduce aggression and offer spawning choices
• Softer, slightly acidic water improves hatch rates and fry survival
• Condition pairs with plenty of live/frozen foods for 2+ weeks
• Minimize disturbances after eggs are laid
• Start fry on infusoria → baby brine shrimp for fast growth
• Perform small, frequent water changes instead of large ones

Quick Facts

• Origin: Meta River basin, Colombia
• Male size: 3–3.5 inches; females smaller
• Highlight: Intense red/orange shoulder patch during display
• Other forms: Super Red, Double Red, Yellow, wild type
• Temperament: Peaceful dwarf cichlid for calm communities
• Breeding: Cave spawner with excellent parental care

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

Red Shoulder Macmasteri are the fish that turn people into dwarf cichlid enthusiasts. They combine big personality with stunning color that intensifies as they settle in. A flaring male or golden-yellow guarding female is breathtaking. They fit beautifully into planted aquascapes and reward keepers who provide structure, hiding places, and stable conditions—perfect for anyone wanting cichlid presence in a small, community-friendly package.