Apistogramma hongsloyi ( 1 pair)

Apistogramma hongsloi is a stunning South American dwarf cichlid, loved for its bright red, blue, and yellow coloration—especially in males.

Quick Overview

• Scientific name: Apistogramma hongsloi

• Common name: Hongslo’s Apisto

• Origin: Orinoco River basin (Colombia & Venezuela)

• Adult size:

  • Male: ~7–8 cm

  • Female: ~5 cm

• Temperament: Peaceful but territorial during breeding

• Lifespan: 4–6 years

Aquarium Requirements

• Tank size: Minimum 60 liters (15 gallons) for a pair
  (80–100 L better for harem setup)

• Substrate: Fine sand (important for natural behavior)

• Decor: Driftwood, caves, leaf litter, coconut shells

• Lighting: Dim to moderate

• Plants: Java fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, floating plants

Water Parameters

(Very important for this species)

• Temperature: 24–28 °C

• pH: 5.0–6.8 (slightly acidic preferred)

• Hardness: Soft water (1–6 dGH)

• Filtration: Gentle flow, clean and stable water

Tip: Indian hobbyists often use RO water mixed with tap water for best results.

Diet

Omnivorous, but protein-rich diet brings best color:

• Live foods: Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae

• Frozen foods: Bloodworms, cyclops

• Quality micro pellets & flakes (occasional)

Behavior & Compatibility

• Best kept as pair or 1 male with 2 females

• Good tank mates:

  • Small tetras

  • Pencilfish

  • Corydoras (not during breeding)

  • Otocinclus

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive cichlids

  • Fin nippers

  • Large bottom dwellers

Breeding Notes

• Cave spawner

• Female turns bright yellow when guarding eggs

• Spawns 30–80 eggs

• Fry become free-swimming in ~5–7 days

• Feed fry with infusoria → baby brine shrimp