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Macmaster's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma macmasteri) — Cichlidae

Macmaster's dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma macmasteri
Family: Cichlidae

The Macmaster's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma macmasteri) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 6 cm.

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

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Description

The Macmaster's dwarf cichlid is a dwarf cichlid (Cichlidae) from fresh water of the Meta basin in Colombia. The species grows to about 6-8 cm; males are yellow-grey with a red-edged tail and larger than the plainer females. As a bottom-oriented fish it lives among leaf litter, roots and water plants of quiet streams and blackwater and snaps at small invertebrates and insect larvae. The female is a devoted cave brooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Macmaster's dwarf cichlid?

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

Where does the Macmaster's dwarf cichlid live?

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

How big does the Macmaster's dwarf cichlid get?

The Macmaster's dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Macmaster's dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Macmaster'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 Macmaster's dwarf cichlid edible?

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

More photos

Macmaster's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma macmasteri) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) mach95, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Macmaster's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma macmasteri) — Cichlidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Jorsha (Public domain)
Macmaster's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma macmasteri) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) kzet69, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Macmaster's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma macmasteri) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) kzet69, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Macmaster's dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Apistogramma macmasteri
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 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: Colombia 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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