Hongsloi Dwarf Cichlid

Looks how to spot one

scales

This dwarf cichlid has a laterally compressed, elongated body typical of its genus. Males grow larger and develop tall, pointed dorsal fins with extended rays, while females stay smaller with shorter, rounded fins.3

Personality what they are like

Generally peaceful for a cichlid, but males become territorial during breeding. They are not aggressive by cichlid standards, though males may squabble with each other. Females guarding eggs can be very defensive.31

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate activity level. They are bottom to middle dwellers that appreciate a well-structured tank with plenty of hiding spots, driftwood, and plants. They are not high-energy swimmers but need space to establish territories.53

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Requires stable, soft, acidic water conditions. Regular partial water changes are essential. A dark substrate and leaf litter help mimic their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviours. They are sensitive to poor water quality.31

Home where they are happiest

Minimum tank size 75 litres (20 gallons) for a pair or small group. Water temperature 23-30°C, pH 5.0-7.0, hardness 1-8 dGH. Provide soft, acidic water with plenty of hiding places such as caves, driftwood, dense planting, and leaf litter. A dark sandy substrate is preferred.351

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous. In the wild they feed on small benthic invertebrates. In captivity offer a varied diet of frozen and live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and mosquito larvae. High-quality sinking pellets can supplement but should not be the sole diet.35

Company who they like around

Best kept as a single male with one or two females, or in a larger tank with multiple males (minimum three) and twice as many females. They are not suitable for very boisterous community tanks. During breeding, females become highly aggressive and may need separation.351

The story where it all began

Apistogramma hongsloi was described by Kullander in 1979. It originates from the Orinoco River basin in Colombia and Venezuela, where it inhabits small, slow-moving, sunlit streams with very soft, acidic water. In the aquarium trade, selectively bred colour strains have become more popular than the wild form, which is less colourful. The species is named after the collector or locality associated with its discovery.16

Recognised by the official bits

ITIS

Integrated Taxonomic Information System record for Apistogramma hongsloi6

IUCN

Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List7