Villavicencio dwarf cichlid - Apistogramma macmasteri - single animal

As a splash of color, the Villavicencio dwarf cichlid from South America is great for the aquarium. It also belongs to the dwarf cichlids and is also called Apistogramma macmasteri, which can also be socialized well. Especially for cichlid fans it makes the heart beat faster. It is under discussion whether it has similarities with Apistogramma viejita, with which it can be confused, although both originate from different habitats. However, for advanced aquarists, the A. macmasteri presents a great challenge and can even be bred.

Our Apistogramma macmasteri are available as pairs.

Like all dwarf cichlids, the Villavicencio dwarf cichlid has the typical perch body with flattened sides. Over the bright, almost yellow to ocher body, black isolated scales extend along the lateral line, the upper side can be orange to reddish in color. There are also red spots on the gill cover and face as well as turquoise speckles. The caudal style is prominent, the one-piece dorsal fin is pointedly extended, transparent to reddish translucent, and sometimes with a light blue fringe. Males are usually more colorful, just in the spawning mood, and at 8 cm grow larger than the paler females, which reach about only 6 cm . A dark substrate contributes to a better coloration, fine gravel or sand is ideal.

Also in the aquarium the Apistogramma macmasteri can be bred. In addition its home should be equipped over many caves and hiding places as for example with clay pots, in addition, against falling over secured stone superstructures or slate caves. A very good water hygiene and an increased temperature and oxygen supply are obligatory during this time. The female is a caring mother who raises the young, while the male takes over the territorial care during this time, in some places even for the brood several females! The young can be fed with fine live food like infusoria, but also nauplii. Later also Artemia are suitable.

In contrast to other dwarf cichlids the Villavicencio can be kept optimally at a pH-value between 6-8, nevertheless it also needs soft water with a hardness around 2- maximum 12 °dGH. The water temperature is ideally 24-28 °C and can be increased for breeding. Aquatic plants are not bothered by him, which is why the aquarium may be well weedy in places. This should have an edge length of at least 80 cm. Roots or rocks can also be used to create good privacy screens and territorial markings, because especially during spawning time the animals can live up to their name and become quite "rough" towards their fellow inhabitants, otherwise it is a peaceful contemporary that can be socialized well.

It can be kept well together with loricariids, but also with Corydoras or striped pike. Dwarf shrimps are probably regarded as a snack by him, so they are rather not suitable, also crayfish could catch him under circumstances and eat him, at least, however, hurt him badly, so we would rather not recommend this socialization.

In the aquarium it can be fed with commercial dry food or flake food for carnivorous fish. Live food or frozen food such as Artemia and Cyclops, but also Enchyträen spice up his menu, especially twitching live food he will chase impressively.

Our food recommendation: NatureHolic Cichfeed is a great staple food for all carnivorous cichlids in the aquarium, perfectly meeting their dietary requirements. The tasty pearls are also very well eaten by larger cichlids. Thanks to their soft texture, NatureHolic Cichfeed food pearls are gentle on the mouth and can be eaten very well by the fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.

Picture: Enrico Richter - exclusively for Garnelio