Viejita Dwarf Cichlid

Looks how to spot one

scales

A small, slender cichlid with a pointed snout and a continuous dorsal fin. Males are more colourful, with a reddish edge on the dorsal and tail fins, while females turn a bright yellow with black markings during breeding.34

Personality what they are like

Generally peaceful, but males become territorial during spawning. Best kept as a pair or in a harem with one male and several females. They can live with small, calm tankmates like characins or rasboras.34

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low to moderate activity. They enjoy exploring hiding spots and will stake out territories. Provide plenty of cover and a soft, sandy substrate.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Sensitive to water quality; perform regular partial water changes and test for nitrite, nitrate and ammonium. Use gentle filtration such as a sponge filter. Dim lighting and leaf litter help create natural conditions.34

Home where they are happiest

A tank of at least 60 cm (24 inches) base length for a pair, or 80 cm for a harem. Soft, acidic water (pH 4.5-6.5, temperature 22-28°C). Dense planting, driftwood, caves, and leaf litter are essential. Avoid strong currents.34

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous. Offer live or frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia, mosquito larvae, and bloodworms. They may accept high-quality pellets but prefer meaty items.34

Company who they like around

Can be kept as a pair or in a harem. In a community tank, choose peaceful dither fish like small characins or Otocinclus. Avoid other Apistogramma species to prevent hybridisation or aggression.34

The story where it all began

Described by Kullander in 1979 from a tributary of the Río Yucao in Colombia. True Apistogramma viejita is extremely rare in the aquarium trade; most fish sold under this name are actually colour forms of Apistogramma macmasteri. Wild-caught specimens are seldom exported, and commercial breeding is not yet established.534