Macmasteri’s dwarf cichlid

Often mistakenly sold as A. viejita, the Macmasteri is a robust little cichlid that appears bolder than many of its cousins. So robust, in fact, that it tends to do better with heavyset tetras rather than tiny tankmates in a biotope or softwater community set-up. To see it at its best, ensure some tannins are present in the water, and give it heaps of leaf litter to wallow in.

6Scientific name: Apistogramma macmasteri

6Pronunciation: Ap-iss-toe-gram-ah mac-mass-tare-eye

6Size: Males to 5.5cm, females usually 4cm

6Origin: Endemic to the Rio Meta system of Colombia

6Habitat: River banks with fallen wood, leaf litter and dense marginal

plants

6Tank size: 60x30x30cm for a small harem

6Water requirements: Soft and acidic to neutral water; 5.0-7.0pH, 0-8°H 6Temperature: 24-29°C 6Availability and cost: Relatively common, if under the wrong name, prices

from £20 a pair