Apistogramma cacatuoides
Red-nosed Apisto (Cacatuoides)
The classic. Hardy, beautiful, the entry point for thousands of keepers. Here's how to keep them thriving.
Small fish, exacting standards
Dwarf cichlids demand precision. Water chemistry, temperature, feeding, breeding — get it wrong and you lose the fish. Get it right, and you unlock one of the aquarium hobby's most rewarding challenges: fish that court, fight, and raise young right against the glass.
Apistogrammarama is built by aquarists for aquarists. Species profiles that go past the pet-store label, care fundamentals backed by keeper experience, breeding guides for the next generation, and the regional variants that make this genus worth chasing for decades. New to the vocabulary? Our glossary defines every term as you meet it.
Detailed guides to every major Apistogramma species — tank requirements, water params, temperament, tankmates, regional variants, and morphs.
Water chemistry, filtration, feeding routines, tank setup, social dynamics, disease recognition and treatment.
Conditioning pairs, spawning behavior, fry care, strain selection, genetic lines, and why quality matters.
Apisto history, regional variants, collecting ethics, and the worldwide community that keeps these fish alive.
Start here: the big three
Apistogramma borellii
Apistogramma borellii
Yellow Apisto (Borellii)
The peaceful. Smallest of the three, perfect for nano tanks. Stunning under the right conditions.
Apistogramma nijsseni
Apistogramma nijsseni
Panda Dwarf Cichlid (Nijsseni)
The character. Bold, interactive, challenging to breed. For the keeper ready to level up.