MacMaster's Dwarf Cichlid Care
Apistogramma macmasteri
MacMaster's dwarf cichlid is a Colombian cave-spawning cichlid that needs soft, stable water and a thoughtfully structured bottom area. A pair needs at least a 45 × 30 cm footprint according to the specialist source, with sand, wood and several caves. Males may be territorial and a guarding female can react strongly in a small tank. Captive-raised fish are the safer choice for a community aquarium; do not mix this species with other Apistogramma. Check provenance as well: trade fish are sometimes sold as A. viejita without reliable identification.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 5.5–7.0
- GH
- 0–5 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 45 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 41 L
- Adult size
- Up to 5.5 cm
- Group size
- At least 2 individuals
- Temperament
- Territorial
About this species
Apistogramma macmasteri Kullander, 1979 belongs to Cichlidae. It is known from the Río Guaytiquía and Río Metica basins in the upper Río Meta system of Colombia. DATZ code A120 is used for the species; A121 denotes an ornamental red form and A122 a similar population that may be conspecific. These labels are not automatically interchangeable.
Natural habitat
The species comes from a restricted area of Colombia. The available aquarium profile describes a preference for soft water and sheltered conditions, but provides limited species-specific detail on natural habitat. In an aquarium, sand, wood, leaf litter, shade and caves reproduce useful shelter structure without inventing unverified habitat details.
Aquarium and layout
Seriously Fish gives a 45 × 30 cm footprint and about 41 litres for a pair; groups need more room. Furnish the tank with soft sand, wood roots, leaf litter and several caves. Subdued light and gentle flow match the recommendations. Keep biological filtration mature and avoid very large water changes; the source suggests modest weekly changes in lightly stocked tanks. Ensure a guarding female cannot control every refuge.
Water conditions
The specialist source gives 24–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.0 and 0–5 dGH. The species needs soft water and steady temperature. These ranges are not targets to swing between quickly. Adjust gradually, check values regularly and account for the fish’s origin and previous conditions.
Behaviour and group size
Captive-raised fish are the recommended choice for a community aquarium. Wild fish are better in a species tank or with small, calm dither fish. Do not mix this dwarf cichlid with other Apistogramma: territorial behaviour and possible mixing of difficult-to-distinguish forms make this undesirable. Males defend territories; after spawning, the female guards the eggs and fry and may aggressively chase the male in a small tank. Provide several caves and a way to separate fish.
Feeding
Apistogramma macmasteri is chiefly carnivorous and apparently feeds mostly on benthic invertebrates in nature. Regularly offer varied live or frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia and suitable chironomid larvae. Most specimens can learn dried alternatives; pellets are generally preferred to flakes. Feed in calm areas and check that faster tankmates do not outcompete the cichlid.
Breeding
The species lays eggs in a cave or crevice. The female tends eggs and fry and may become hyper-aggressive toward the male in a small aquarium. Provide several caves, visual barriers and enough bottom space. Keep a safe option ready to separate the male temporarily if attacks persist.
Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .