Apisto Agassizii Double Red (Apistogramma agassizii) - UK

Apisto Agassizii is one of the most eye-catching dwarf cichlids you can keep in a home aquarium, and the Apistogramma agassizii Double Red form is especially sought after for its fiery finnage, elegant body shape, and engaging personality. Known as the Agassiz Dwarf Cichlid or Agassiz Cichlid Double Red, Apistogramma agassizii comes from the Amazon basin of Peru and Brazil, where it lives among leaf litter, roots, and shaded margins in soft, warm water. In the aquarium, this South American cichlid UK favourite usually reaches an Apistogramma agassizii size of around 7.5 cm for males, with females staying smaller, and it can live for around 5 years when kept in stable conditions.

This colour form is popular because it combines the classic long-bodied elegance of wild agassizii with the brighter finnage that hobbyists love. If you have searched for apistogramma agassizii double red, Double Red Agassizi, agassizii double red cichlid, or even wondered whether this is the best apistogramma colour variant, this pair makes a strong case. It is a peaceful dwarf cichlid for community tank setups when chosen carefully, yet it also rewards dedicated keepers interested in Apistogramma Agassizii breeding. See our detailed photos showing the extended dorsal rays, red-edged tail, and the contrast between Apistogramma agassizii male and female fish. For aquarists wanting a colourful, intelligent, and manageable freshwater cichlid UK species, this is a standout choice.

Where Do Apisto Agassizii Come From? Natural Habitat Explained

The apisto agassizii habitat is spread across parts of the Amazon basin, especially in Peru and Brazil. In nature, apistogramma agassizii origin points to slow-moving tributaries, forest creeks, flooded margins, and blackwater or clearwater zones with plenty of submerged branches and leaf litter. When aquarists talk about apistogramma agassizii in the wild, they are usually referring to fish living close to the bottom, weaving through roots and searching for tiny invertebrates.

The apistogramma agassizii natural habitat is typically warm, soft, and acidic. That is why a good apistogramma agassizii biotope aquarium uses dimmer lighting, botanicals, caves, and broken lines of sight. Wild fish may be labelled as apistogramma agassizii wild, apistogramma agassizii wild type, or apistogramma.agassizii peru wild, and these forms often show more locality-based pattern differences than tank-bred colour strains. You may also see references like apistogramma agassizii - olga wild in specialist circles, referring to particular collection lines or hobby names.

Although this listing is for a tank-bred Double Red form rather than apistogramma agassizii wild caught stock, understanding the species’ background helps you care for it properly. In the wild, these fish feed on insect larvae, tiny crustaceans, and other microfauna sifted from the substrate. Their environment is usually shaded by overhanging vegetation, with tannins from fallen leaves softening the look of the water and reducing light intensity. Reproducing that feel in the aquarium helps reduce stress, improves colour, and encourages more natural courtship behaviour.

How to Set Up the Perfect Tank for Apisto Agassizii

A thoughtful Apistogramma agassizii tank setup makes all the difference with this species. While the stated Apistogramma Agassizii tank size minimum is 60 litres, that works best for a carefully arranged pair. If you want the fish to settle, display, and possibly breed, a larger footprint is even better. For a pair, think of 60-80 litres as workable, while a harem or more structured community benefits from 90 litres or more. If you are specifically researching apistogramma agassizii double red tank size or apisto agassizii tank size, the answer depends on layout as much as volume: floor space, caves, and visual barriers matter more than height.

Tank Size Requirements

The apistogramma agassizii double red tank size should allow each fish to establish a small territory. Males patrol the bottom and mid-lower level, while females claim caves when ready to spawn. A pair can work in a 60-litre aquarium if it is heavily structured, but in a sparse tank the female may be harassed. For long-term success, many keepers choose a 75-90 litre aquarium with wood, leaves, and multiple shelters. This also makes the fish more suitable as an Apistogramma agassizii for community tank option.

Water Parameters

The ideal apistogramma agassizii temperature is 24-28°C, with 25-27°C being a very comfortable everyday target. If you have searched for apisto agassizii temperature, apisto agassizii temperature range, apistogramma agassizii water temperature, or apistogramma agassizii double red temperature, these all point to the same practical range: warm, stable water with no sudden drops. For breeding, many aquarists use the upper end of the range, and Apistogramma agassizii breeding temperature is often kept around 26-28°C.

Apistogramma Agassizii water parameters should include a pH of 5.5-7.0 and soft to moderately soft water. Apistogramma agassizii water hardness is ideally 2-12 dGH, though softer water is usually better for breeding and fry survival. If you are building around apistogramma agassizii double red water parameters, aim for pH 6.0-6.8 and low nitrate. Stable conditions matter more than chasing an exact number. Many keepers also search for apistogramma agassizii ph range; keeping it slightly acidic often brings out the best behaviour and colour.

Filtration

Gentle filtration is best. A mature sponge filter or a small external filter with a spray bar works well because it keeps oxygen levels good without blasting the fish around. These dwarf cichlids do not enjoy strong current. If your tank includes fine sand and leaf litter, gentle flow also helps keep the bottom calm enough for natural foraging behaviour.

Substrate

Fine sand is ideal. These fish naturally inspect the substrate and may mouth sand while hunting for food. Darker substrate also helps the red finnage stand out. Add dried leaves, seed pods, and smooth caves to create secure territories.

Plants & Decor

Apisto agassizii for planted aquarium setups can work beautifully. This is a stunning dwarf cichlid for planted tank layouts when you combine rooted plants with shaded areas. Use driftwood, coconut caves, and species such as Java fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, and floating plants to diffuse light. For related fish in a similar style, see Apistogramma Agassizii «Double Red», Apistogramma Fire Red Agassiz Dwarf Cichlid, and Apistogramma Agassizii «Super Red» - Super.

Lighting Requirements

Moderate to low lighting suits them best. Bright light without cover can make them skittish. Floating plants or wood cover help them feel secure and show better colour.

What Do Apisto Agassizii Eat? Complete Feeding Guide

The apistogramma agassizii diet is omnivorous, but these fish lean strongly toward small meaty foods. In nature they pick through debris for insect larvae, tiny crustaceans, and other micro-prey. In the aquarium, a good Apistogramma Agassizii feeding guide includes quality micro pellets, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and occasional bloodworm. A varied apisto agassizii diet supports colour, immunity, and breeding condition.

Staple Foods

Use a fine sinking or slow-sinking micro pellet as the staple. Because these fish feed in the lower half of the tank, food should reach them before faster surface fish take it all. Small portions twice daily are better than one large feed.

Supplemental Foods

Frozen brine shrimp and daphnia are excellent several times a week. These foods help maintain body condition and encourage natural hunting behaviour. Live foods can be used for conditioning, especially if you are planning apisto agassizii breeding or more serious Apistogramma Agassizii breeding attempts.

Treats & Special Foods

Before spawning, increase variety with baby brine shrimp, chopped blackworm, or high-quality frozen foods. This supports egg production in females and display intensity in males. If you are wondering what is double red, it refers to the stronger red finnage pattern, and good diet helps that colour stay vivid.

Feeding Frequency & Portion Control

Feed adults 1-2 times daily, only what they can finish in about 1-2 minutes. Fry and juveniles need smaller, more frequent meals. Overfeeding quickly spoils water quality in warm, soft-water tanks.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid oversized pellets, fatty feeder foods, and anything likely to foul the substrate. Many people ask do apistogramma eat snails; they may pick at very small snails or snail eggs, but they are not a reliable snail-control fish. Questions like how big do weather loaches grow, how long do weather loaches grow, how long can a reticulated python go without eating, how often do you feed a burmese python, and what is the longest reticulated python ever recorded are unrelated to proper cichlid feeding, so focus instead on species-appropriate small aquarium foods.

Time	Food	Amount
Morning	Micro pellet or granule	Small pinch, eaten in 1 minute
Evening	Frozen brine shrimp or daphnia	Very small portion

What Does Apisto Agassizii Double Red Look Like? Colors, Patterns & Varieties

The Apistogramma agassizii size of an adult male is usually around 7-7.5 cm, while females are smaller and deeper-bodied. If you are searching for apisto agassizii size or agassizii double red size, expect a compact but elegant fish with an elongated body, pointed head, and extended finnage that makes it look larger than it really is.

Apistogramma agassizii Double Red males show the strongest colour. The dorsal fin often carries red edging or red panels, the tail displays red patterning, and the anal fin can also show red highlights. This is why the fish is often called Double Red Agassizi or double full red agassizii cichlid in the trade, though exact intensity varies by line. Females are more subtle, usually yellow to beige with darker markings, especially when guarding eggs or fry.

If you are comparing apistogramma agassizii double red male, apistogramma agassizii double red female, or apistogramma agassizii double red male vs female, the male is larger, longer-finned, and much brighter. The agassizii double red female is smaller and more practical in colour, but becomes strikingly yellow during brood care. Some hobbyists also compare double red agassizi vs super red agassizi; in general, Super Red strains may show broader red coverage, while Double Red often has a cleaner, more classic agassizii shape and pattern. Related forms include apistogramma agassizii fire red, apisto agassizii blue, and apisto agassizii 'blue flame'.

Our photos show the intense finnage contrast and body shape you should expect from a healthy, settled pair. Dark substrate, warm lighting, and a rich frozen-food routine all help this apistogramma agassizii double red dwarf cichlid show its best colours.

What Fish Can Live With Apisto Agassizii? Compatibility Guide

Apistogramma Agassizii tank mates should be peaceful, similarly sized, and comfortable in warm, soft water. Although this species is often described as a peaceful dwarf cichlid for community tank use, it is still a cichlid. That means territory matters, especially near caves and during spawning. If you are asking are apistogramma aggressive or specifically are apistogramma agassizii aggressive, the honest answer is: usually calm in the right setup, but protective when breeding.

Ideal Tank Mates

Good apisto agassizii tank mates include small tetras, pencilfish, and calm Corydoras in larger aquariums. Upper-level fish work especially well because they leave the bottom territory mostly to the pair. For alternative dwarf cichlids, browse Apistogramma Borellii «Opal» - Opal Umbrella if you want a gentler species for cooler community setups.

Suitable companion choices for an apistogramma agassizii community tank include pencilfish, ember-type tetras, and small shoaling characins that do not fin-nip. Corydoras can work, but they may wander too close to breeding caves, so provide space. This species can be an excellent Apistogramma agassizii for community tank fish when the stocking plan respects its bottom territory.

Species to Avoid

Avoid large cichlids, boisterous barbs, and aggressive bottom dwellers. These increase stress and suppress natural behaviour. Very active fish may outcompete them at feeding time. If you are comparing with apistogramma cacatuoides or searching apistogramma cacatuoides double red tank mates, remember that different Apistogramma species still compete for the same territory type.

Can You Keep Different Apistogramma Together?

Many hobbyists ask can you keep different apistogramma together or can you mix apistogramma. In most average aquariums, it is not recommended. Even if they do not fight constantly, they often stress each other, compete for caves, and may hybridise. A single species setup is safer and usually shows better behaviour.

Compatibility with Shrimp & Snails

Apistogramma agassizii and shrimp is a common question. Adult Amano shrimp sometimes coexist in larger planted tanks, so apistogramma agassizii and amano shrimp can work with caution. However, shrimplets are likely to be eaten. The same applies to apistogramma agassizii with shrimp in general. Snails are usually tolerated, though tiny snails or eggs may be picked at.

Another common question is apistogramma agassizii and angelfish. This can work only in a sufficiently large, calm, warm aquarium with careful stocking. In smaller tanks, angelfish may intimidate the apistos or dominate feeding.

Species	Compatible?	Notes
Apistogramma Borellii «Opal» - Opal Umbrella	⚠️ Caution	Best kept separately; mixing dwarf cichlids often causes territorial stress
Small tetras	✅ Yes	Good upper-level dither fish in soft, warm water
Large aggressive cichlids	❌ Avoid	Too boisterous and likely to bully this smaller species

If you like this form, you may also want to compare Double Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid, Apistogramma Fire Red Agassiz Dwarf Cichlid, and Welcome Beautiful Apistogramma Agassizii 'Super Red' for different colour styles.

How to Breed Apisto Agassizii: Complete Breeding Guide

Apistogramma Agassizii breeding is very achievable for aquarists who provide the right water and enough cover. This species is a cave spawner, and females become highly attentive parents. If you are looking for a colourful dwarf cichlid pair UK option that offers interesting parental care, this pair is an excellent choice.

Breeding Setup

A separate breeding tank of 45-60 litres works well for a pair. Use soft, slightly acidic water, plenty of caves, and gentle filtration. Apistogramma agassizii breeding temperature is usually best around 26-28°C. Condition the pair with frozen and live foods for 1-2 weeks before expecting a spawn. For those searching buy apisto agassizii pair UK, apistogramma pair for sale UK, dwarf cichlid pair buy UK, or pair dwarf cichlid UK, a true male-female pair gives the best chance of success.

Spawning Behaviour

Apistogramma agassizii breeding behavior often starts with the female turning brighter yellow and inspecting caves. She may shimmy, flare, and lead the male toward a spawning site. Once eggs are laid, she usually guards the cave while the male patrols the surrounding territory. This is also when people notice whether apistogramma agassizii double red aggressive behaviour appears; it is usually defensive, not random aggression.

Egg Care & Hatching

Eggs are typically laid on the roof or wall of a cave. Hatching often occurs in 2-4 days depending on temperature, and the fry become free-swimming a few days later. Keep disturbance low and avoid moving decor during this time.

Fry Care & Growth

Feed newly free-swimming fry with infusoria, vinegar eels, or freshly hatched baby brine shrimp. Daily small water changes help growth without destabilising the tank. The female usually leads the fry around the tank in a tight group.

Male vs Female Identification

If you are checking apistogramma agassizii double red male or female, the male is longer-finned and more colourful, while the apisto agassizii female is smaller and yellows up strongly when guarding eggs. Searches for apisto agassizii fire red female or apistogramma agassizi double red female for sale usually reflect the same need: getting a genuine compatible pair rather than two juveniles of uncertain sex.

Apisto Agassizii vs Similar Species: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between dwarf cichlids often comes down to colour, temperament, and water requirements. Apisto Agassizii is a great choice for aquarists who want a long-bodied, elegant species with strong red finnage and classic Apistogramma behaviour. It is often compared with apistogramma cacatuoides and also with rams.

Feature	Apistogramma agassizii Double Red	Apistogramma cacatuoides
Max Size	About 7.5 cm	About 8 cm
Care Level	Moderate	Moderate
Temperature	24-28°C	24-28°C
Price	£48.38	Varies
Best For	Elegant planted and blackwater setups	Hardier mixed dwarf cichlid displays

Feature	Apistogramma agassizii Double Red	Ram Cichlid
Body Shape	Long and streamlined	Shorter and deeper-bodied
Water Preference	Soft, slightly acidic	Warm, very stable, often softer
Temperament	Territorial when breeding	Usually peaceful but delicate
Lifespan	Up to 5 years	Often shorter
Best For	Apistogramma enthusiasts	Warm community displays

If you are comparing Apistogramma agassizii vs ram cichlid, agassizii is often the better pick for keepers who want stronger parental behaviour and a more natural Amazon-style look. If you like brighter red strains, compare this fish with Apistogramma Fire Red Agassiz Dwarf Cichlid or Apistogramma Agassizii «Super Red» - Super. If you want a gentler species, Apistogramma Borellii «Opal» - Opal Umbrella is also worth considering.

Some buyers also search for apistogramma agassizii fire red, apistogramma agassizii alenquer, apistogramma agassizii alenquer for sale, apisto agassizii blue flame for sale, or even apistogramma trifasciata when comparing dwarf cichlids. The Double Red form sits nicely in the middle: colourful, elegant, and more refined in look than many heavier-bodied alternatives.

Common Health Problems in Apisto Agassizii & How to Prevent Them

A healthy agassizii double red cichlid is alert, feeds eagerly, shows good fin extension, and maintains strong colour without clamped fins. This is a warm-water tropical cichlid UK species that does best in clean, stable aquariums. Sudden changes in temperature, pH, or hardness are far more dangerous than many keepers expect.

Signs of a Healthy Fish

Look for steady breathing, clear eyes, intact fins, and confident but not frantic movement. Males should display to one another or to their reflection occasionally, while females should hold good body weight and show strong brood colour when mature.

Common Diseases & Symptoms

Like many dwarf cichlids, apistogramma agassizi cichlid strains can be sensitive to poor water quality, internal parasites, and bacterial infections after stress. Watch for white stringy waste, refusal to eat, clamped fins, or hollow belly. Newly imported or stressed fish may also be prone to external parasites.

Treatment Options

Start with water quality: test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, temperature, and pH before medicating. Use a separate hospital tank if treatment is needed. Warm, clean water and reduced stress solve many early issues faster than random medication.

Prevention Tips

The best prevention is stable maintenance, a varied diet, and a mature aquarium. This applies whether you keep one pair or a full dwarf cichlid UK display. Weekly water changes of 20-30% are usually effective, provided the new water is matched closely in temperature and chemistry.

Quarantine Procedures

Quarantine all new fish for 2-4 weeks. This is especially important if you keep shrimp or delicate tank mates. If you are building a specialist Apistogramma UK collection, quarantine protects your whole setup.

With the right care, Apistogramma Agassizii lifespan is commonly around 5 years, making this a rewarding long-term species for soft-water cichlid keepers.

Understanding Apisto Agassizii Behavior in the Aquarium

Apisto agassizii behaviour is one of the main reasons aquarists fall in love with this species. They are intelligent, observant fish that quickly learn feeding routines and patrol the lower parts of the tank with purpose. Most of the day is spent exploring caves, wood, leaves, and shaded edges.

Outside breeding, they are usually calm and measured rather than hyperactive. During courtship, the female becomes much bolder and more colourful, while the male intensifies his display posture and fin extension. This is when many keepers first appreciate the difference between Apistogramma agassizii male and female behaviour.

To encourage natural behaviour, keep the aquarium structured, avoid overly bright light, and provide more than one cave. In a well-designed tank, this apistogramma agassizii agassiz's dwarf cichlid shows foraging, display, pair bonding, and brood care that you simply do not see in more generic community fish.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

When buying a pair of Apistogramma agassizii Double Red, quality matters. Sexing, conditioning, and stability are especially important with dwarf cichlids. This listing is built for aquarists looking for a genuine Apistogramma agassizii pair for sale, not a random mixed juvenile group. If you are searching for Apistogramma Agassizii for sale UK, apistogramma agassizii for sale, apisto agassizii for sale, or buy Apistogramma agassizii double red UK, choosing a correctly matched pair saves time and improves compatibility from the start.

Each pair is selected for health, finnage, and clear sexing, which is especially valuable for buyers seeking apistogramma agassizii double red pair for sale UK or a colourful dwarf cichlid pair UK. Fish are monitored before dispatch, packed in insulated boxes, and shipped with heat packs in cold weather. Tracked delivery and professional bagging reduce transit stress. This is particularly important for soft-water cichlids, which can lose condition quickly if handled poorly.

We also know buyers compare forms and pricing. If you have searched apistogramma agassizii double red price, apistogramma agassizii price, double red agassizi price UK, agassizi double red buy online UK, or buy double red apisto UK, remember that a settled, correctly sexed pair is far better value than cheaper fish of uncertain quality. We also cater to hobbyists browsing broader Apistogramma UK options, including apistogramma cacatuoides double red for sale and apistogramma agassizii fire gold for sale style searches.

Order your Apisto Agassizii today with confidence if you want a true Amazonian dwarf cichlid that offers colour, personality, and breeding potential in one manageable pair.

You Might Also Like

If you enjoy the look of this Apistogramma agassizii double red for sale listing, compare it with Apistogramma Fire Red Agassiz Dwarf Cichlid for a hotter red variant, or Welcome Beautiful Apistogramma Agassizii 'Super Red' for another popular line. For a softer-tempered alternative, try Apistogramma Borellii «Opal» - Opal Umbrella. You can also revisit Apistogramma Agassizii and Double Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid to compare presentation and pair options. These related fish suit the same style of warm, structured, soft-water aquarium and make excellent additions to a specialist dwarf cichlid collection.