Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma elizabethae
Also known as Elizabeth's apisto, A208
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–84°F (24–29°C)
- pH
- 4.0–6.0
- Adult size
- 2 in (5 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 20 gal (75 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- Lower Rio Uaupes and Rio Icana in the upper Rio Negro system of northwestern Brazil, in true blackwater leaf-litter creeks.
- Family
- Cichlidae
Overview
A pair needs a tank of at least 75 liters at 24 to 29 C and pH 4.0 to 6.0, with very soft, tannin-stained water. Provide caves, leaf litter, and dense cover. Feed small live and frozen foods. It is mostly peaceful but sensitive, and fry only survive in very soft, acidic water.
In the wild
Apistogramma elizabethae lives in the lower Rio Uaupes and Rio Icana in the upper Rio Negro system of northwestern Brazil. It occupies true blackwater leaf-litter creeks that are very soft and acidic. This is a demanding blackwater specialist. It needs mature, very soft, acidic water to survive and breed.
Good to know
Apistogramma elizabethae was described by Kullander in 1980 and carries the code A208. Males reach about 5 cm, and the shape of the male tail fin changes with age from rounded to a long spade shape. Most fish in the trade are wild imports rather than tank-bred.
Did you know
It is one of the more demanding dwarf cichlids, and its fry are so sensitive to water chemistry that breeding it is a real accomplishment.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Dan's Fish Freshwater fish, shrimp and snails with a live arrival guarantee
- The Wet Spot Tropical Fish Large freshwater selection from a longtime Portland fish store
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Freshwater fish · Cichlids · Advanced fish · Bottom dwellers
Keeping Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Macmaster's dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma macmasteri2.4 in (6 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)
Viejita dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma viejita2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)Inca dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma baenschi2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)
Panduro apisto
Apistogramma panduro3 in (7.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)
Hongsloi dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma hongsloi3.1 in (8 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–84°F (23–29°C)
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii3.5 in (9 cm)20 gal (75 L)72–84°F (22–29°C)