Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma elizabethae
Also known as Elizabeth's apisto, A208
FreshwaterFish
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
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Lower Rio Uaupes and Rio Icana in the upper Rio Negro system of northwestern Brazil, in true blackwater leaf-litter creeks.
Overview
Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid is a blackwater specialist for the bottom of a very soft, acidic tank. It is one of the more demanding dwarf cichlids, a fish for experienced keepers.
Did you know
A male Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid changes the shape of its tail fin as it ages. The tail starts out rounded and grows into a long spade shape.
Caring for the Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid
Give a single Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid or one pair a tank of at least 20 gal (75 L). Provide caves, leaf litter and dense cover.
The water should be very soft and tannin-stained, at 75 to 84°F (24 to 29°C) with a pH of 4.0 to 6.0. Let the tank mature first, since this fish needs mature water to survive and breed. Feed small live and frozen foods.
It is a solitary fish, mostly peaceful but sensitive. Choose its tank mates with caution.
Its fry are so sensitive to water chemistry that they only survive in very soft, acidic water. Breeding it is a real accomplishment.
Good to know
Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid, Apistogramma elizabethae, is a member of the cichlid family, Cichlidae. Kullander described it in 1980, and it also carries the code A208. Most fish in the trade are wild imports rather than tank-bred.
In the wild
Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid 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.
Common questions
What size tank does an Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid need?
An Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does an Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid need?
An Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid is comfortable at 75–84°F (24–29°C) with a pH of 4.0–6.0.
What does an Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid eat?
An Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid eats small live and frozen foods.
How big does an Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid get?
An adult Elizabeth's dwarf cichlid reaches about 2 in (5 cm).
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