Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma UK)

If you want a dwarf cichlid that combines vivid colour, manageable size, and genuine personality, the Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is one of the most rewarding choices in Apistogramma UK. Scientifically known as Apistogramma agassizii, this South American cichlid comes from the Amazon basin in Peru and Brazil, where it lives among leaf litter, roots, and quiet backwaters. In the aquarium, it stays compact at around 7.5 cm, making it ideal for a thoughtfully aquascaped community tank or a focused breeding setup. With a life expectancy of up to five years and a moderate care level, it suits aquarists who already understand stable water quality, soft water, and calm tank mates. The Apistogramma Agassizii Super Red form is especially prized for its intense red fins, bold tail markings, and the way males display under the right lighting. See our detailed photos showing the rich colour, fin extension, and body shape that make this Red Apistogramma agassizii such a standout. If you are looking for a peaceful super red dwarf cichlid pair with real breeding potential, this species offers beauty, behaviour, and long-term enjoyment in one fish.

Where Do Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlids Come From? Natural Habitat Explained

The natural range of Apistogramma agassizii covers slow-moving waters in the Amazon basin, especially parts of Peru and Brazil. In the wild, this species is usually found in blackwater tributaries, floodplain channels, forest streams, and shallow margins packed with leaf litter, driftwood, and submerged roots. These habitats are soft, acidic, and low in mineral content, which is why Apistogramma agassizii water hardness and Apistogramma agassizii pH range matter so much in captivity. The fish spends much of its time close to the bottom, picking through detritus for tiny invertebrates, insect larvae, and microfauna. That natural feeding style explains why apisto agassizii diet should include small, protein-rich foods rather than large pellets alone.

Wild super red agassizi habitat conditions are usually warm, shaded, and calm, with very little current. Seasonal flooding expands the available space and creates breeding opportunities, but the fish still prefers shelter and structure. When you recreate that environment in the aquarium, you will see stronger colour, more confident apisto agassizii behaviour, and more reliable spawning. This is also why the super red agassizi for planted aquarium approach works so well: plants, roots, and leaf litter help the fish feel secure while giving females and fry places to hide. The species is not generally considered threatened in the hobby, but as with all wild-type South American cichlid species, responsible sourcing and good husbandry matter.

For aquarists searching Apistogramma agassizii super red care guide advice, the biggest lesson from the wild is simple: soft water, subdued light, and a calm layout produce the best results. A super red agassizi tank setup should mirror the fish’s natural habitat as closely as possible, especially if you want a stunning super red agassizi pair to breed and display naturally. In our experience, fish kept in a mature, leaf-littered aquarium settle faster and show better colour than fish placed into bare, brightly lit tanks. That difference is often the reason customers come back asking for a second pair after seeing the first one thrive.

How Do You Set Up the Perfect Tank for Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlids?

Tank Size Requirements

The minimum Apistogramma Agassizii tank size for a pair is 60 litres, but 75-90 litres gives you more stability, better territory separation, and room for plants and caves. If you are planning a super red agassizi breeding pair UK setup, extra space helps the male and female avoid each other when needed. For a trio, with one male and two females, aim for at least 90 litres and use visual barriers. A larger tank also makes it easier to maintain stable water chemistry, which is essential for Apistogramma Agassizii breeding.

Water Parameters

The ideal Apistogramma agassizii temperature is 24-28°C, with many keepers finding 25-26°C the sweet spot for everyday maintenance. The super red agassizi temperature range should stay stable, because sudden swings can trigger stress and suppress colour. Aim for a pH of 5.5-7.0, with softer water preferred for long-term health and spawning. In practical terms, the best Apistogramma Agassizii water parameters are slightly acidic, low in nitrate, and free from ammonia and nitrite. If your tap water is hard, use reverse osmosis water or a blend to bring down mineral content and match the species’ needs. Many aquarists ask about Apistogramma agassizii breeding temperature; for spawning, 26-28°C is often effective, provided oxygen levels remain high.

Filtration

Choose gentle filtration with biological capacity rather than strong current. A sponge filter, small internal filter, or adjustable external filter works well, especially in a super red apisto care setup where fry safety matters. The fish dislikes being blasted by flow, so aim for a calm turnover and diffuse the outlet with spray bars or plants. Good filtration is not just about clarity; it supports the stable nitrogen cycle that dwarf cichlids need. When customers ask about super red agassizi tank mates, we always remind them that all species in the tank should be able to handle the same soft, warm water and low flow.

Substrate

Fine sand is the best substrate because it allows natural digging and helps the fish sift through the bottom without injury. Dark sand or a dark planted substrate also makes the red fins stand out, especially under moderate lighting. Add leaf litter, alder cones, and a few smooth stones to create boundaries and hiding places. This is one of the easiest ways to improve super red agassizi for planted aquarium success while encouraging natural foraging. A shallow layer of 2-4 cm is usually enough unless you are building a heavily planted aquascape.

Plants & Decor

Use hardy, low-to-medium light plants such as Anubias, Java fern, Cryptocoryne, and floating plants to soften the light. Root tangles, coconut caves, and small slate caves give females safe spawning sites and help define territories. In a super red agassizi tank setup, structure matters more than decoration: every visual break reduces stress. If you are building a planted display, combine open swimming space in the front with dense cover at the back and sides. That layout works especially well for a colourful red dwarf cichlid breeding pair.

Lighting Requirements

Keep lighting moderate rather than intense. A 6-8 hour photoperiod is usually enough, and floating plants can help dapple the light. Strong lighting can wash out colour and make shy fish hide, while softer light often improves Apisto Agassizii Super Red display behaviour. The fish will look best against a dark background and natural wood tones, which is why many aquarists choose a black rear panel or dense planting. If you are using CO2 and high light, keep the setup mature and stable before adding fish.

For equipment, a reliable heater such as Aquarium Heater, a calm filter like Sponge Filter, and a natural substrate such as Fine Aquarium Sand all support better long-term results. If you are stocking a planted display, browse our aquatic plants collection for species that suit low-flow dwarf cichlid tanks.

What Do Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlids Eat? Complete Feeding Guide

Apistogramma agassizii is an omnivore, but in the aquarium it does best on a varied, protein-forward menu. In the wild, it picks at tiny crustaceans, insect larvae, worms, and other microfoods from the substrate. That means super red agassizi feeding should focus on small, high-quality foods that sink slowly and match the fish’s natural foraging style. The best apisto agassizii diet includes micro pellets, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm, and finely chopped frozen foods. A varied diet also supports colour, conditioning, and spawning success.

For daily care, offer a small amount once or twice a day. The fish has a modest stomach and will often continue picking at the bottom after feeding, so it is easy to overdo it. Good feeding is one of the simplest ways to improve super red apisto care and keep the fish active and colourful. When conditioning a pair, increase the amount of live or frozen food for a couple of weeks before breeding. That approach is especially useful if you are working with a super red apisto breeding pair UK or a buy super red apisto breeding pair UK order intended for spawning.

Staple foods should be a high-quality micro pellet or small cichlid pellet designed for dwarf species. Supplemental foods can include frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and chopped mysis. Treats such as blackworm or live baby brine shrimp are excellent for breeding conditioning and fry growth. Avoid large floating flakes that the fish cannot easily consume, and never rely on a single food type. If you are keeping a peaceful super red dwarf cichlid pair in a community tank, feed in small portions so faster tank mates do not outcompete them.

Time	Food	Amount
Morning	Micro pellets or crushed dwarf cichlid pellets	Small pinch, eaten in 1-2 minutes
Evening	Frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworm	Small portion, once daily

Food products that work well include Dwarf Cichlid Micro Pellets for daily feeding and Frozen Brine Shrimp for conditioning and colour. You can also rotate in Daphnia Food to support digestion and keep the diet varied.

What Does the Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid Look Like?

The super red agassizi size is one of the reasons this fish is so popular: adults usually reach around 7.5 cm, with males slightly larger and more elongated than females. The body is slim and torpedo-shaped, built for hovering close to the substrate and darting between cover. Males display the strongest red colour, especially in the fins and tail, while females are usually smaller, rounder, and more yellow or tan when not breeding. This is the easiest way to tell super red agassizi male and female apart.

The Super Red strain is known for vivid red-orange fins, a clean body line, and striking tail markings. Depending on lighting and mood, the fish may show deeper crimson, orange-red, or a more subdued rust tone. That is why many hobbyists compare super red agassizi vs double red agassizi and super red agassizi vs fire red agassizi before choosing a line. In general, the Super Red form is admired for strong colour with good contrast rather than excessive patterning. Under dark substrate and soft light, the fish can look especially dramatic, which is why it is often described as a stunning super red agassizi pair.

Our photos show how the intense red fins and subtle body barring develop in a mature aquarium. A balanced diet, calm environment, and stable water all help maintain the best colour. Many keepers also report that the fish looks richer in tone in a planted tank than in a bare setup. If you are trying to decide between varieties, compare the best Apistogramma agassizii red variant for breeding and the best super red apistogramma for breeding based on the exact colour, body shape, and line quality you prefer.

What Fish Can Live With Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlids?

Despite their cichlid label, these fish are usually peaceful when housed correctly. The key is to choose calm, similarly sized tank mates that will not nip fins, outcompete them at feeding time, or invade their cave territory. A super red apisto pair for community tank can work beautifully in a mature, planted aquarium with soft water and plenty of cover. The best companions are small tetras, pencilfish, Corydoras, and other gentle South American species. This is why the species is so often recommended as a tropical cichlid UK favourite for aquascaped community tanks.

Good options include Corydoras catfish, Ember Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Pencilfish, and small Rasboras if water parameters overlap. For a more species-focused setup, a pair can also be kept with peaceful bottom dwellers that respect territory boundaries. If you are browsing Apistogramma for sale UK options, remember that the best tank mate list depends on adult size, temperament, and the amount of hiding cover in the aquarium.

Species	Compatible?	Notes
Corydoras	✅ Yes	Peaceful bottom companion; keep in groups
Ember Tetra	✅ Yes	Small, calm, and ideal for planted tanks
Large aggressive cichlids	❌ Avoid	Will bully, stress, or injure Apistogramma

Compatibility questions often include super red agassizi tank mates, super red apisto pair for community tank, and whether they can live with shrimp. Adult shrimp may be eaten if the fish gets a chance, especially in breeding mode, but snails are usually fine. Tiny fry and very small invertebrates should be considered food. If you want to compare lines, look at Apistogramma cacatuoides triple red for sale UK, Apistogramma borellii for sale UK, and Apistogramma hongsloi for sale UK to see which temperament and colour style best suits your tank.

For a balanced community, a 75-90 litre aquarium can house one pair with a small school of tetras and a group of Corydoras, provided there are plenty of caves and sight breaks. If you are building a dedicated breeding tank, keep the pair alone to reduce stress and improve fry survival. Customers often ask about super red agassizi vs gold red agassizi and super red agassizi vs fire red agassizi; the best choice depends on whether you prefer stronger contrast or a warmer, more orange-red look. Either way, the fish should be kept with calm companions only.

How Do You Breed Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlids?

Apistogramma Agassizii breeding is considered moderate in difficulty, which makes this species a great step up for aquarists who already keep soft-water fish. The best breeding results usually come from a dedicated tank of 40-60 litres with soft, acidic water, fine sand, and one or two caves. Many keepers ask for the Apistogramma agassizii breeding temperature; 26-28°C is a strong starting point, especially if the fish are well conditioned. A mature pair will often spawn after a water change, a slight temperature rise, or the introduction of live foods.

Sexual dimorphism is clear. Males are larger, more colourful, and more elongated, while females are smaller and become bright yellow when guarding eggs or fry. A super red agassizi male and female pair should be introduced to a tank with multiple hiding places so the female can choose a cave. Once spawning begins, the female usually guards the eggs while the male patrols the territory. Eggs typically hatch in a few days, and the fry become free-swimming shortly after. At that point, infusoria, baby brine shrimp, and powdered fry foods are ideal.

Conditioning is the key to success. Feed the pair a rich, varied diet for 2-3 weeks before attempting to breed. This is where super red agassizi feeding and water quality work together. Soft water, low nitrate, and stable temperature all improve egg viability. If you are looking for the super red agassizi pair buy online UK or super red agassizi pair for sale UK option, a healthy, well-conditioned pair is always a better investment than a fish that looks bright but has been kept in poor water. The same applies if you are comparing apisto super red pair price UK listings: colour is important, but breeding readiness and body condition matter more.

Common challenges include egg fungus, male aggression, and fry losses from poor first foods. Keep the tank clean, avoid sudden changes, and remove tank mates if the pair becomes stressed. If you want to compare breeding potential, many aquarists rank this fish alongside Apistogramma macmasteri for sale UK, Apistogramma panduro UK, and Apistogramma nijsseni for sale UK depending on the level of parental care and colour preference. The best Apistogramma agassizii red variant for breeding is the one that combines strong finnage, a healthy body, and a proven line.

Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid vs Similar Species: Which Should You Choose?

Comparing Apistogramma species helps you choose the right temperament, colour, and breeding style for your aquarium. If you want a fish that is colourful but not too demanding, the Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is a strong all-rounder. If you prefer a slightly different body shape or display style, other species may suit your layout better. This is especially useful when browsing apistogramma online UK listings or deciding between multiple dwarf cichlid UK options.

Feature	Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid	Apistogramma cacatuoides
Max Size	7.5 cm	8-9 cm
Care Level	Moderate	Moderate
Temperature	24-28°C	24-28°C
Price	£29.03	Varies
Best For	Planted community or breeding pair	Showy display and beginner-friendly Apistogramma keeping

Feature	Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid	Apistogramma macmasteri
Body Shape	Slim, elegant	Deeper-bodied
Colour Style	Red fins, strong tail pattern	Red mask and bold body colour
Best For	Natural aquascapes and pair breeding	Display tanks with stronger territorial presence

Choose this species if you want a freshwater cichlid UK fish with strong colour, manageable size, and a classic Amazon look. Choose Apistogramma viejita for sale UK or Apistogramma baenschi for sale UK if you want a different pattern or a more specialised breeding project. For many aquarists, the Super Red Agassizi sits in the sweet spot between beauty, behaviour, and practicality. That is why it remains one of the most searched Apistogramma UK fish for planted tanks and breeding setups.

What Are the Common Health Problems in Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlids?

Healthy fish are alert, feeding well, and showing clear colour without clamped fins or rapid breathing. The body should be full but not bloated, the eyes clear, and the fins open and undamaged. In a well-kept tank, Apistogramma agassizii should spend time exploring, displaying, and hovering near the bottom. If your fish hides constantly or loses colour, check water quality first.

Common issues include stress from hard water, poor appetite after shipping, fin damage from aggressive tank mates, and internal parasites in poorly sourced fish. Because this species prefers soft water, incorrect Apistogramma agassizii water hardness and unstable pH can lead to long-term problems. Good prevention starts with stable parameters, varied diet, and a proper quarantine period. If you notice stringy waste, emaciation, or persistent hiding, isolate the fish and improve conditions immediately. Many health issues are not species-specific diseases but stress responses to unsuitable husbandry.

Treatment usually involves clean water, reduced feeding, and quarantine before medication. If parasites are suspected, use a suitable treatment in a separate tank and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Never medicate the main display unless you know exactly what you are treating. A healthy super red agassizi size and body condition are easier to maintain than to restore, so prevention is always best. This is especially true for a super red agassizi male and female pair that you want to breed.

Many experienced keepers also use blackwater extracts, leaf litter, and gentle tank maintenance to reduce stress. If you are comparing apistogramma breeders uk or browsing buy apistogramma online uk listings, choose stock that is already eating well and showing clean fins. That gives you the best chance of a healthy, long-lived fish.

How Does Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid Behave in the Aquarium?

This species is peaceful for a cichlid, but it still has a definite personality. It is active near the bottom, curious around caves and roots, and often displays a subtle hierarchy between male and female. During feeding, it will inspect the substrate and pick carefully rather than rushing around the tank. That makes apisto agassizii behaviour fascinating to watch, especially in a mature planted aquarium.

When comfortable, the male flares his fins, deepens his colour, and patrols his territory with confidence. The female becomes more intense in colour when guarding eggs or fry. In a larger tank, you may see the fish use different zones depending on mood and breeding status. To encourage natural behaviour, keep the tank calm, avoid fast-moving tank mates, and provide caves and shaded areas. A pair kept in a super red apisto pair for community tank environment will show more confidence if the tank is mature and the school fish are peaceful.

Many hobbyists fall in love with this species because it is both beautiful and interactive. It is not a fish that simply sits still; it responds to feeding time, territory changes, and breeding conditions. That is one reason the super red apisto care experience is so rewarding for aquarists who enjoy observing behaviour as much as colour.

Why Buy Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlids from Tropical Fish Co?

Our Apistogramma UK stock is selected for colour, body shape, and overall health, with special attention to the rich red finnage that makes this variety so desirable. We quarantine fish before sale, monitor feeding response, and acclimate them carefully to UK water conditions so they are ready to settle into your aquarium. When you order a super red agassizi pair buy online UK from us, you are getting fish that have been prepared for life in a home tank, not simply boxed and shipped on arrival. That matters with a sensitive species like Apistogramma agassizii.

We pack live fish in insulated packaging, use tracked delivery, and add heat packs during colder months when needed. Our packing methods are designed to reduce stress and protect the fish during transit. If you are searching for buy super red apisto breeding pair UK or buy super red apistogramma breeding pair UK, our focus is on healthy, well-conditioned stock with strong colour and good compatibility potential. We also include care guidance so you can set up the right tank from day one.

Order your Apistogramma UK fish today with confidence, whether you want a display pair, a breeding project, or a standout centrepiece for a planted South American aquarium. We also support customers comparing apisto super red pair price UK, super red agassizi pair for sale UK, and super red dwarf cichlid pair buy UK options by providing clear details on size, sex ratio, and care needs.

What Else Should You Add to Your Apistogramma Setup?

Complete your tank with calm companions and supporting products that suit a soft-water South American layout. Pair your fish with Apistogramma cacatuoides UK if you want another dwarf cichlid option, or try Apistogramma macmasteri UK for a different display style. For a gentler species, Apistogramma borellii for sale UK is a lovely alternative. To support feeding and conditioning, add Dwarf Cichlid Micro Pellets and Frozen Brine Shrimp. For the aquascape itself, browse our aquatic plants collection to build a natural, low-stress habitat that helps your Super Red Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlids thrive.