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Agassiz's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii) — Cichlidae

Agassiz's dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma agassizii
Family: Cichlidae

The Agassiz's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Colombia, Peru
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Agassiz's dwarf cichlid is a dwarf cichlid from fresh water of South America. The species grows to about 4 cm; males grow larger and have a pointed, spade-shaped tail and blue, yellow or red colour variants, while females are smaller and yellow. As a bottom-dweller it lives in soft, often blackwater streams among leaf litter and roots and eats small invertebrates and larvae. It is a cave or substrate brooder in which the female guards the brood. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid?

The Agassiz's dwarf cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid live?

The Agassiz's dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil, Colombia, Peru

How big does the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid get?

The Agassiz's dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid edible?

Yes, the Agassiz's dwarf cichlid is commonly eaten.

More photos

Agassiz's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii) — Cichlidae — 2
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii) — Cichlidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Guérin Nicolas (messages) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) animaluki, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii) — Cichlidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Sychriscar (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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All data

Identification

English name
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Apistogramma agassizii
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.2 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Colombia, Peru sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Apistogramma

More from the family Cichlidae

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