Apistogramma agassizii ‘Fire Red’

22 October 2026

Apistogramma agassizii is a small South American cichlid valued for its intricate markings, elongated fins and interesting parental behavior. “Fire Red” is a selectively bred aquarium color form rather than a separate species. The supplied listing describes a pair, although sex, locality and breeding-line identity cannot be confirmed from the available material. This species suits a mature, planted aquarium with soft, clean water, subdued lighting, cover and a fine substrate.

Taxonomy and identification

The species is Apistogramma agassizii, a member of the cichlid family Cichlidae. It is commonly called Agassiz’s dwarf cichlid. “Fire Red” is a trade designation for a selectively bred color form and does not establish a distinct taxon or wild locality. The images appear consistent with an elongated Apistogramma showing orange-red fins and a dark lateral marking, but the exact cultivated line and sex composition of the advertised pair cannot be verified from the supplied material.

Distribution and habitat

Apistogramma agassizii is native to lowland waters of the Amazon drainage in South America. It occurs in quiet or slowly flowing habitats, including shallow margins, leaf litter, submerged roots and small tributary environments. These habitats are often warm, shaded and relatively soft, with shelter that allows the fish to avoid larger predators and establish small territories.

Appearance and sexual differences

Males are larger and usually develop longer dorsal, anal and pelvic fins, with stronger body patterning and more extensive red, orange or yellow coloration in aquarium strains. Females are smaller and generally less ornate, becoming especially yellow and darkly marked when guarding eggs or fry. Color intensity varies with mood, social status, water quality, diet and breeding line.

Behavior

This is a bottom-oriented, territorial dwarf cichlid. Outside spawning it is often restrained, but a pair can defend a cave and surrounding area vigorously when breeding. Provide several visual barriers and caves so the female can hold a separate refuge. Avoid keeping multiple males in a small aquarium, since persistent territorial pressure can cause injury or chronic stress.

Aquarium and water requirements

A pair should have at least a 60-litre aquarium with substantial floor area; a larger tank is preferable for a community setting or additional territories. Use sand or another smooth substrate, driftwood, plants, leaf litter and small caves made from wood, stone or ceramic. Gentle filtration, good oxygenation and stable conditions are important. Aim for 24–29 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, low to moderate hardness and undetectable ammonia and nitrite. Soft, acidic water is especially useful for breeding, but stability is more important than chasing a precise number.

Diet

Offer a varied carnivorous diet. Suitable foods include high-quality small pellets or granules, frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and other appropriately sized aquatic invertebrates. Feed small portions once or twice daily and remove uneaten food. Newly imported or stressed specimens often respond best to small live or frozen foods before being transitioned to prepared diets.

Compatibility

Choose peaceful, similarly sized tank mates that occupy the middle or upper levels, such as calm small characins, pencilfish or peaceful surface fish. Avoid large, boisterous, fin-nipping or highly aggressive species, as well as fish that compete intensely for the substrate. Corydoras and other bottom dwellers may be tolerated in a spacious, structured aquarium, but spawning pairs can harass them near a defended cave. Do not combine this form with other Apistogramma species in a small aquarium.

Breeding

The species is a cave spawner with female-led brood care. Provide several small caves and soft, clean water, then condition the pair with nutritious live or frozen foods. The female usually selects a cave, lays adhesive eggs on its roof or inner surface and guards the clutch; the male commonly defends the wider territory. Eggs generally hatch within several days, with free-swimming fry following after further development. Feed newly free-swimming fry suitable first foods, such as newly hatched brine shrimp or other appropriately sized foods, and protect them from filtration intakes and tank mates. Remove or separate the male only if the female is being persistently attacked.

Identification note

The source label specifies “Apistogramma agassizii Fire Red DNZ pair.” DNZ may describe a seller, breeder or line, but its meaning cannot be established from the supplied information. The listing indicates two fish and a pair, while the available images do not independently confirm sex, provenance or genetic lineage.

Fish info

Care level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Adult size: Male 7–9 cm; female 5–6 cm
Life expectancy: 3–5 years
Fish type: South American dwarf cichlid
Temperature : 24–29 °C
pH: 5.5–7.5

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