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Masked dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma personata

Also known as Uaupes masked apisto

FreshwaterFish

Masked dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma personata)

Care at a glance

Temperature
77–84°F
25–29°C
pH
4.5–6.2
Adult size
2.6 in
6.5 cm
Minimum tank
16 gal
60 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
Cave spawner · Hard
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Rio Uaupes basin, upper Rio Negro drainage, Brazil

Overview

The masked dwarf cichlid is a rare blackwater apisto that lives near the bottom of the tank, and it is for experienced keepers only.

Did you know

For most of the years since its description, the masked dwarf cichlid existed for hobbyists only as a black-masked photo in cichlid atlases. Live imports are still events.

Caring for the masked dwarf cichlid

Treat the masked dwarf cichlid as an expert blackwater project. A pair needs a dedicated tank of 16 gal (60 L) or more, set up to read like a Negro tributary. Spread deep leaf litter everywhere, and add wood and dim light.

Aim for near-rainwater chemistry with minimal hardness, at 77 to 84°F (25 to 29°C) and a pH of 4.5 to 6.2. Make live or frozen foods the staple. Tank mates, if any, should be tiny schooling fish from the Negro basin.

Cave spawns need very acidic, soft water for the eggs to develop, and breeding is hard. Pairs may take months to settle before they attempt one.

Good to know

Kullander described the masked dwarf cichlid from the Uaupes in 1980. Its name, personata, means masked, for the heavy dark face marking that males carry. It is a large-cheeked, robust species.

In the wild

The masked dwarf cichlid is a blackwater species of the Rio Uaupes, in the upper Rio Negro system of Brazil. It lives over leaf litter and sand, in hot, extremely soft, acidic water.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The masked dwarf cichlid is a mostly peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a masked dwarf cichlid need?

A masked dwarf cichlid needs at least 16 gal (60 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a masked dwarf cichlid need?

A masked dwarf cichlid is comfortable at 77–84°F (25–29°C) with a pH of 4.5–6.2.

What does a masked dwarf cichlid eat?

A masked dwarf cichlid eats live or frozen foods as its staple.

How big does a masked dwarf cichlid get?

An adult masked dwarf cichlid reaches about 2.6 in (6.5 cm).

How does a masked dwarf cichlid breed?

A masked dwarf cichlid spawns in a cave, and the eggs need very acidic, soft water to develop. Pairs may take months to settle before they try, and breeding is hard.

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