Double Red Agassizii Apistogramma (Apistogramma agassizii)

A premium Double Red colour form of one of the most iconic South American dwarf cichlids, combining intense red finnage, intelligent behavior, and excellent breeding potential.

The Double Red Agassizii Apisto is a selectively bred colour form of Apistogramma agassizii, one of the most popular dwarf cichlids in the freshwater aquarium hobby. It is also searched as Double Red Apistogramma, Agassizii Apisto, Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid, and Apistogramma agassizii Double Red.

The “Double Red” name refers to the stronger red coloration developed in the fins, especially the dorsal and caudal fins. Mature males can show intense red, orange, blue, and metallic body tones, while females are smaller and usually become bright yellow with strong black markings when breeding or guarding fry.

This is not a separate species from normal Apistogramma agassizii. Double Red is a domestic colour strain selected for stronger red finnage and display quality.

Why this fish stands out

• Premium Double Red colour strain of Apistogramma agassizii
• Mature males develop striking red dorsal and tail fins
• Beautiful blue, red, orange, and metallic body contrast
• Intelligent dwarf cichlid behavior in a compact aquarium size
• Excellent breeding project for experienced freshwater hobbyists
• Ideal centerpiece fish for planted and blackwater-style aquariums

Topick Aquarium Insight

Apistogramma are often described simply as “peaceful dwarf cichlids,” but this can be misleading. They are peaceful toward many unrelated community fish, while still being strongly territorial around caves, especially during breeding.

The most important part of an Apisto tank is not just water chemistry — it is structure. Caves, driftwood, plants, leaf litter, and broken lines of sight give females secure territories and allow weaker fish to move away from dominant individuals.

This matters especially with Apistogramma agassizii. They do not necessarily behave like a permanently bonded pair. Once a female has eggs or fry, she may aggressively push the male away from the spawning area, even if the two previously appeared perfectly compatible.

Male vs Female

Double Red Agassizii shows strong sexual dimorphism once mature.

• Male: larger body, longer fins, stronger red and blue coloration, and a more elongated overall profile
• Female: smaller and more compact, usually yellowish to brown when relaxed
• Breeding female: can turn vivid yellow with strong black markings while guarding eggs or fry

Juveniles may not show full adult colour immediately. Good food, maturity, stable water, and low stress all influence final coloration.

Behavior & Social Structure

Double Red Agassizii Apistos are bottom-oriented dwarf cichlids. They spend much of their time exploring wood, plants, caves, leaf litter, and the lower areas of the aquarium.

A single male can be kept alone, with one female, or with multiple females in a properly structured larger aquarium. Multiple males require significantly more space and clear territorial boundaries.

During breeding, females become highly territorial and may chase other fish away from the spawning site. This is normal Apistogramma behavior.

Tank Setup

A mature planted aquarium with soft substrate, caves, wood, and visual barriers is ideal.

• 20 gallons or larger recommended for a pair
• Larger footprint strongly preferred for a trio or community setup
• Fine sand substrate recommended
• Multiple caves should be available
• Driftwood and plants help break lines of sight
• Leaf litter and botanicals work especially well
• Gentle to moderate filtration preferred
• Stable temperature strongly recommended

Tank footprint matters more than height. Apistogramma establish territories along the bottom, so a longer aquarium with multiple separated shelters works much better than a tall, open tank.

Water Parameters

• Scientific Name: Apistogramma agassizii
• Common Name: Double Red Agassizii Apisto
• Colour Form: Double Red
• Temperature: 24–29°C
• pH: 5.5–7.2 recommended for most aquarium setups
• Hardness: Soft to moderately soft water preferred
• Adult Size: males commonly around 7–9 cm total length; females smaller
• Temperament: Semi-peaceful / territorial during breeding
• Diet: Omnivore with strong carnivorous preference
• Care Level: Intermediate

Stable water is more important than forcing an exact pH number. Properly conditioned tank-raised fish can be more adaptable than wild Apistogramma, but sudden changes, poor water quality, and unstable new tanks should still be avoided.

Feeding

Double Red Agassizii Apistos colour and condition best on a varied diet with quality protein sources.

• High-quality micro or dwarf cichlid pellets
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Frozen or live cyclops
• Baby brine shrimp
• Bloodworms in moderation

A varied diet helps improve body condition, breeding readiness, and red coloration. Do not rely entirely on one dry food.

Tank Mates

Good tank mates occupy different areas of the aquarium and are peaceful enough not to intimidate the Apistos.

• Cardinal and small peaceful tetras
• Pencilfish
• Small peaceful rasboras
• Hatchetfish
• Peaceful upper-water nano fish

Avoid aggressive dwarf cichlids, large cichlids, fin nippers, and excessive competition around the bottom. Corydoras may work in larger community tanks, but during breeding they can repeatedly enter the female’s territory and create stress.

Shrimp Compatibility

Double Red Agassizii Apistos should not be considered shrimp-safe. Adult Amano Shrimp or larger adult dwarf shrimp may sometimes coexist with them, but small shrimp and shrimplets can be hunted.

If shrimp breeding is the priority, a shrimp-only aquarium is the safer choice.

Breeding

Apistogramma agassizii is a cave-spawning dwarf cichlid. The female deposits eggs inside a cave or protected surface and takes primary responsibility for guarding the eggs and fry.

When ready to breed, females often become brilliant yellow with strong black markings. After spawning, the female may become highly territorial and drive the male or other fish away from the cave.

For better breeding success, provide multiple caves, soft stable water, visual barriers, and very small foods such as baby brine shrimp for free-swimming fry.

Canada-Wide Live Fish Shipping

Double Red Agassizii Apisto is available from Topick Aquarium in Canada when in stock. Local pickup is available in Markham, Ontario, and Canada-wide live fish shipping may be available depending on weather, route, and livestock condition.

Important Note

Double Red describes a selectively bred colour form, not a separate Apistogramma species. Individual red intensity can vary depending on genetics, age, sex, diet, dominance, and aquarium conditions.

Young males may not show the intense red seen in mature display specimens immediately after purchase. Colour normally develops as the fish matures and settles.

FAQ

What is a Double Red Agassizii Apisto?
It is a selectively bred colour form of Apistogramma agassizii known for stronger red coloration in the dorsal and caudal fins.

Is Double Red a separate Apistogramma species?
No. Double Red is a domestic colour strain of Apistogramma agassizii, not a separate species or wild locality.

How big does Double Red Agassizii get?
Adult males are typically larger and can reach roughly 7–9 cm total length in aquariums, while females remain noticeably smaller.

Can I keep a male and female together?
Yes, but the tank needs caves, plants, wood, and visual barriers. During breeding, females can become highly territorial and may chase the male away from the spawning site.

Can I keep one male with multiple females?
Yes. Apistogramma agassizii naturally fits a harem-style social structure better than many hobbyists expect, provided the aquarium has enough floor space and separate territories.

Are Double Red Agassizii Apistos aggressive?
They are generally peaceful toward suitable community fish but territorial toward other dwarf cichlids and around spawning sites.

Can Double Red Agassizii live with shrimp?
They should not be considered fully shrimp-safe. Adult shrimp may survive, but small shrimp and shrimplets may be eaten.

Why is my Double Red Apisto not very red?
Colour depends on age, sex, genetics, dominance, diet, stress, and settling time. Mature males generally show the strongest red coloration.

Do Double Red Agassizii need blackwater?
Blackwater is not mandatory for tank-raised fish, but soft water, botanicals, driftwood, leaf litter, gentle flow, and stable conditions suit their natural behavior very well.

What tank size is best?
Around 20 gallons or larger is a good starting point for a pair. A larger footprint is strongly recommended for a trio, breeding setup, or community aquarium.