How long do Apistogramma live?
Apistogramma typically live 3-5 years with good care. Stable warm water and low stress are what carry them that far; females often live longer than breeding males.
What do Apistogramma eat?
They take small pellets, flake, and frozen/live foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms. Overfeeding and large food are the usual mistakes; feed small portions once or twice daily.
Tank size and water parameters
A 20-gallon (75 L) tank suits a single male with several females. Target 72-82°F (22-28°C), pH 5.0-7.0 (species-dependent), soft water preferred, zero ammonia and nitrite, nitrate under 15-20 ppm. Provide caves and dense plants; keep one species only.
Common mistakes with Apistogramma
Key errors: mixing species or too many males (they fight); hard alkaline water when the species wants soft acidic; boisterous tank mates that outcompete these small cichlids; and poor water quality.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Mixing species or multiple males — they fight; one species, harem-style.
- Wrong water chemistry — most want soft, acidic, warm water.
- Boisterous tank mates — they outcompete small apistos.
- Poor water quality — sensitive to ammonia and nitrite.