Are Apistogramma macmasteri difficult to keep?

They are best suited to intermediate keepers. While captive-bred specimens are reasonably adaptable, they still require excellent water quality, a sandy substrate, and a carefully considered diet to truly thrive.

Can I keep two males together?

It is generally not recommended unless the aquarium is exceptionally large (at least 120cm long) with heavily broken sightlines. In standard tanks, the dominant male will relentlessly harass the subdominant one.

Why has my female turned bright yellow?

A bright lemon-yellow colouration in a female *Apistogramma* is a clear indicator that she is in breeding mode, either ready to spawn or actively guarding eggs/fry.

Do they need a blackwater setup?

While not strictly mandatory for captive-bred lines, providing tannin-stained water with leaf litter mimics their natural habitat, dramatically reduces stress, and promotes their most vibrant colours.

Will they dig up my plants?

No. While they do sift the top layer of sand for food, they do not excavate deeply enough to uproot established aquatic plants, making them fully planted-tank safe.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Macmaster's Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma macmasteri

A vibrant and characterful South American dwarf cichlid, prized for its striking red-edged fins and intriguing harem-breeding behaviours.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 7
Hardness: 1 – 10 dGH
Adult size: 4 – 8 cm
60L for a pair; 90L+ for a harem: 60 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: gentle
Preferred setup: Soft sandy substrate with ample leaf litter, driftwood tangles, and secluded caves.

About the Macmaster's Dwarf Cichlid

Hailing from the leaf-strewn tributaries of Colombia, Macmaster's Dwarf Cichlid (*Apistogramma macmasteri*) is a staple among seasoned aquarists. Within the hobby, it is frequently confused or even hybridised with the closely related *A. viejita*, leading to several distinct, selectively bred colour forms being traded under its name. They are highly intelligent, display remarkable sexual dimorphism, and bring a captivating dynamic to the lower levels of a well-structured aquarium. While usually quite peaceful, their complex social dynamics make them a fascinating species to observe.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Macmaster's Dwarf Cichlid against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Macmaster's Dwarf Cichlid comes from

Native range

Orinoco River basin, Meta River drainage

Countries / regions

Colombia

Habitat

Shallow, slow-moving streams and flooded forests filled with dense leaf litter and submerged root systems.

Primarily found in extreme shallow water environments near the banks, often taking refuge under thick layers of fallen leaves.

Similar species

Viejita Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma viejita
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Occupy the mid-to-upper water column, act as excellent dither fish to make the cichlids feel secure, and thrive in identical warm, acidic water.
Great
Beckford's Pencilfish
Nannostomus beckfordi
Peaceful surface-dwelling fish that will not intrude on the cichlids' bottom-tier territory or pose a threat to fry.
Great
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus vittatus
Gentle, non-predatory algae eaters that largely stay out of the way and are generally ignored by dwarf cichlids.
Great
Sterba's Corydoras
Corydoras sterbai
Bumbling bottom dwellers that do not understand territorial boundaries and may suffer severe harassment from breeding cichlids.
Compatible with caution
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Dwarf shrimp fit perfectly into a micropredator's diet and will likely be systematically hunted.
Not recommended

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