🎨 Apistogramma macmasteri Care Guide
🌟 Overview The Apistogramma macmasteri is a colorful dwarf cichlid native to Colombia, known for its bright reds, yellows, and blues, along with fascinating breeding behaviors. Popular among aquarists for planted aquascapes and South American biotopes, this species is relatively hardy for an Apistogramma and makes an excellent choice for aquarists looking to keep their first dwarf cichlid.
🔑 Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Apistogramma macmasteri
- Common Name: Macmaster’s Dwarf Cichlid
- Origin: Colombia (Meta River basin)
- Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial during breeding
- Care Level: Moderate
🏠 Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (larger for pairs or colonies)
- Water Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 6.0–7.2 (slightly acidic preferred)
- Hardness: 2–10 dGH
- Aquascape: Sand substrate, driftwood, caves, coconut shells, and dense plants
- Filtration: Gentle flow, pristine water quality important
🍽️ Diet
Apistogramma macmasteri are omnivores with a preference for protein-rich foods:
- High-quality micro-pellets & cichlid flakes
- Frozen/live foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, blackworms
- Occasional spirulina or veggie-based foods for balance
- A varied diet enhances coloration and breeding condition
🧑🤝🧑 Tank Mates
- Peaceful community fish: tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, corydoras, otocinclus
- Avoid large/aggressive cichlids or fin-nipping barbs
- Can be kept in harems (1 male to multiple females) with proper space and cover
🧠 Behavior & Tips
- Form pairs or harems depending on tank size and setup
- Territorial during breeding — provide caves and line-of-sight breaks
- Females guard eggs and fry fiercely, while males patrol territory
- Best coloration shows in planted aquascapes with soft, acidic water
- ❓ FAQ
Q: Are Apistogramma macmasteri beginner-friendly?
A: They are easier than many Apistos but still require stable water conditions and careful tank mates.
Q: Can I keep multiple males together?
A: Only in large tanks with plenty of territories; otherwise, aggression is likely.
Q: Do they breed in aquariums?
A: Yes, readily with caves/coconut shells. Females lay eggs inside and guard fry after hatching.
Q: How long do they live?
A: On average 3–5 years with good care.
