Apistogramma macmasteri (Macmaster's Apisto)

Bold • Colourful • A Stunning South American Dwarf Cichlid

The Apistogramma macmasteri is one of the most impressive and rewarding dwarf cichlids available. Known for their vibrant reds, oranges, blues, and striking finnage, these intelligent fish quickly become the centrepiece of any planted aquarium.

Native to the slow-moving waters of Colombia, Macmasteri Apistos are full of personality. Males develop extended, colourful dorsal and tail fins, while females display rich golden-yellow colours, especially when guarding eggs or fry. Watching a bonded pair interact and raise their young is one of the highlights of keeping dwarf cichlids.

Perfect for beautifully aquascaped aquariums, they thrive in tanks filled with driftwood, caves, leaf litter, and dense planting that recreates their natural habitat.

Care & Behaviour

• Temperament: Semi-peaceful; best kept as a pair or one male with multiple females in larger aquariums
• Diet: High-quality micro pellets, frozen foods, and live foods
• Tank Size: 70L minimum for a pair
• Ideal Setup: Well-planted aquarium with caves, driftwood, botanicals, and plenty of hiding places
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: 5.8–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Macmasteri are generally peaceful and can be kept with small schooling fish such as tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, and Corydoras. They become territorial during breeding, so providing multiple caves and visual barriers helps keep the peace.

Why You'll Love Them

• Incredible red, orange, and blue colouration
• Fascinating personality and natural behaviours
• Excellent choice for planted aquariums
• Rewarding breeding behaviour with attentive parental care
• A true showpiece dwarf cichlid

At Top Fin Aquatics, all of our fish are carefully quarantined and health checked before sale, ensuring you receive healthy, vibrant livestock ready to thrive in your aquarium.

Bring home the stunning Apistogramma macmasteri and enjoy one of the most colourful and charismatic dwarf cichlids the aquarium hobby has to offer.