Apistogramma agassizii "Alenquer"

Apistogramma agassizii "Alenquer" - Wild-Type South American Dwarf Cichlid for the Planted Tank

Apistogramma agassizii "Alenquer" is a wild-type colour form of the ever-popular agassizii complex, collected from the Alenquer region of the Amazon basin. Males display elongated, lyre-shaped fins and a warm blend of red, blue and yellow across the body, while females stay a soft yellow with a dark lateral stripe when tending young. As a wild-type Apistogramma, this fish is more sensitive to water quality than domestic ram strains and rewards keepers who can provide soft, stable conditions.

This is a naturally shy, cave-dwelling dwarf cichlid that thrives in a densely planted aquarium with driftwood and leaf litter, where it will display far more confidently than in a bare tank. Given stable, soft, acidic water, Alenquer Apistos are hardy long-term residents and can even be coaxed into breeding in the home aquarium.

At N8 Aquatics, our fish are carefully raised and conditioned to ensure healthy stock suited to home aquariums.

Species Snapshot

• Size Sold: Juvenile, approx. 2–3 cm
• Adult Size: 6–8 cm
• Tank Size: 60–80 L, densely planted with caves/driftwood
• Temperament: Generally peaceful, can be territorial when pairing/spawning
• Temperature: 26–29°C
• pH: 6.0–7.0
• Difficulty: Moderate (wild-type strains are less forgiving of unstable water than tank-bred colour forms)

Ideal Habitat and Care

Recreate a blackwater-style Amazon biotope with leaf litter, driftwood and dense planting; stable, soft and slightly acidic water is essential for this wild-type strain.

• Temperature: 26–29°C
• pH: 6.0–7.0
• Water Flow: Gentle, mimicking slow-moving Amazon tributaries
• Maintenance: Regular small water changes to keep parameters stable rather than large, sudden swings

Diet

Offer a protein-rich diet to support colour and condition.

• High-quality micro pellets
• Frozen bloodworm and daphnia
• Frozen or live brine shrimp

Compatibility

Keep with calm, similarly gentle tankmates that won't outcompete it for food.

Suitable tankmates include:

• Small tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras

Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Why Buy From N8 Aquatics

• Carefully raised aquarium fish
• Healthy, well-conditioned stock
• Strong genetics and vibrant colouration
• Breeder support if you have questions

Pickup Information

N8 Aquatics currently operates as a local pickup-only breeder in Central Queensland.

Orders are collected by appointment after purchase confirmation.

Please ensure you are able to collect your fish before placing an order.

Important

All livestock sold by N8 Aquatics should be introduced to fully cycled aquariums suitable for the species being kept.

Please ensure your aquarium setup and tankmates are appropriate before purchasing.