Moderate
Pandurini Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma panduro)
24–28°C · pH 5–7 · 60L
£15.99
Colourful Apistogramma macmasteri dwarf cichlid for warm, mature soft-water aquariums with caves, wood and calm tank mates.
Apistogramma macmasteri
Red-Tailed Dwarf Cichlid bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
Colourful Apistogramma macmasteri dwarf cichlid for warm, mature soft-water aquariums with caves, wood and calm tank mates.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Red-Tailed Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma macmasteri) is a colourful South American dwarf cichlid for aquarists who can provide warm, stable, softer water and a well-structured aquarium. It has the confident personality people love in Apistogramma, but it stays compact enough for a carefully planned planted or blackwater-style community.
This product covers the current size options on the page, including SKU 0057 at 3-4 cm and SKU 0058 as the XL option. Choose the variant that suits your aquarium and existing stock. The care guidance below applies to Apistogramma macmasteri generally, with the supplier water values for this exact Petra line used as the practical starting point.
| Common name | Red-Tailed Dwarf Cichlid, Macmaster's Dwarf Cichlid |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Apistogramma macmasteri |
| Adult size | Usually around 6-8 cm, with males typically larger and more colourful |
| Minimum aquarium | 60 litres for a carefully managed pair; larger is better for community tanks |
| Temperature | 24-28 C |
| pH | About 5.5-7.0; supplier line is listed around pH 6.0-7.0 |
| Hardness | Soft to low-moderate water; supplier range up to about 12 dGH |
| Temperament | Territorial dwarf cichlid, especially around caves and breeding sites |
| Diet | Small carnivore/omnivore foods: cichlid granules, frozen and live foods |
| Tank region | Lower and middle areas, using caves, wood and leaf cover |
Build the aquarium around floor space, shelter and stable water rather than open swimming height. Fine sand or smooth substrate, driftwood, leaf litter, coconut caves, small caves and dense planting all help this species feel secure. Keep sight lines broken so a pair or trio can use separate territories without constant chasing.
A mature filter and steady routine matter. Apistogramma macmasteri does not enjoy sudden swings, dirty substrate or rough tank mates. If your tap water is hard and alkaline, check your parameters before ordering and consider whether the aquarium can be kept in the soft to low-moderate range long term.
This is a dwarf cichlid, not a schooling fish. It can be peaceful in the right setup, but it still claims territory, especially near caves. A pair can work well in a suitable tank, while trios and groups need more floor area and multiple shelters. During breeding, the female may guard eggs and fry while the male patrols the territory, so give other fish space to move away.
Good companions are calm, peaceful fish that stay mostly above the cave territory and enjoy similar warm water. Pencilfish, small peaceful tetras, hatchetfish and other gentle community fish can work when the aquarium is large enough. Avoid aggressive cichlids, fin nippers, large predatory fish, boisterous bottom dwellers and delicate shrimp that may be hunted or stressed.
Offer small, varied foods. Quality micro cichlid granules or soft small pellets can be the base, supported with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, cyclops, bloodworm and small mosquito larvae. Feed modest portions and watch that shy females or newly arrived fish get food without being pushed away.
Only add this fish to a cycled, mature aquarium. On arrival, keep the lights low, acclimate slowly and avoid heavy feeding on day one. Watch colour, breathing, fin posture and feeding confidence during the first week. A settled Red-Tailed Dwarf Cichlid should explore the lower aquarium, display natural colour and retreat to cover without hiding constantly.
When in stock, this is a live fish listing shipped by UK live-animal courier with careful packing for the weather. Tropical Fish Co provides a Live Arrival Guarantee when the delivery and acclimation conditions are followed. New customers can use WELCOME10 for the first order discount where the code is eligible at checkout.
Check your water, tank mates and cave layout before adding Apistogramma macmasteri. This species is rewarding when the setup is prepared, but it should not be dropped into a hard-water, high-traffic community with no shelter. Choose it for a mature aquarium where its colour, behaviour and territorial displays can be enjoyed without unnecessary stress.
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