Elizabeth’s Dwarf Cichlid Care
Apistogramma elizabethae
Apistogramma elizabethae is a distinctive dwarf cichlid from two upper Rio Negro tributaries in Brazil. For a pair, Seriously Fish gives a minimum footprint of 45 × 30 cm and about 41 litres. It needs soft acidic water and a biologically mature aquarium. Provide sand, wood, leaf litter and several caves. Uaupés and Içana locality forms must not be mixed. Wild fish are safest alone or with small calm Nannostomus. Fry are sensitive to changes in water chemistry. Monitor the fish carefully and keep the aquarium calm, mature and consistent.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C
- pH
- 4.0–6.0
- GH
- 1–3 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 45 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 41 L
- Adult size
- Up to 5 cm
- Group size
- At least 2 individuals
- Temperament
- Territorial
About this species
Apistogramma elizabethae Kullander, 1980 is a Cichlidae member with DATZ code A208. It is known from the Rio Uaupés and adjacent Rio Içana, both upper Rio Negro tributaries in Brazil. Populations differ visibly: Içana fish often show more blue on the head, while a reddish Uaupés form is traded as “super red”. Keep geographic forms separate.
Natural habitat
The species inhabits slow tributaries, backwaters and creeks where leaf litter accumulates. Sheltered areas with wood and leaves provide cover and spawning sites. Exact locality matters because the geographic forms should not be mixed. Do not add unverified water or habitat claims beyond the specialist source.
Aquarium and layout
For a pair the source gives a 45 × 30 cm footprint and about 41 litres; groups need more room. Use soft sand, roots, leaf litter and several caves. Dim light and a sponge filter with gentle flow are suitable. The aquarium must be biologically mature and provide stable, very soft conditions. Avoid large water changes and abrupt shifts; include visual barriers and refuges.
Water conditions
Seriously Fish lists 23–29 °C, pH 4.0–6.0 and 1–3 °dGH. This is soft acidic water with very low carbonate hardness. Use controlled methods to obtain soft water and prevent sudden fluctuations. Match acclimation to origin and previous conditions. Juveniles are especially sensitive to changes in water chemistry.
Behaviour and group size
This species is best kept alone or with small calm dither fish such as Nannostomus. Ideally, do not mix it with other Apistogramma. Never mix Uaupés, Içana or other geographic colour forms of A. elizabethae. The source calls for careful tankmate selection. A breeding female may become highly aggressive in a small tank; provide several caves and a safe separation option.
Feeding
The species feeds chiefly on small benthic invertebrates. Offer varied live or frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia, Moina and suitable chironomid larvae. Many fish learn to accept dried foods; pellets are generally taken more readily than flakes. Feed small portions, especially to fry, and prevent leftovers from degrading water quality.
Breeding
This is a cave or crevice substrate spawner. The female mainly tends eggs and fry; in a small aquarium she may become hyper-aggressive toward the male. Fry are sensitive to changes in water chemistry. Monitor the fish carefully and keep the aquarium calm, mature and consistent. Feed several small meals daily and make regular small partial water changes. Keep a safe way to separate the male temporarily.
Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .