Apistogramma Agazizi Blue flame pair

Apistogramma agassizii (often sold as Apistogramma Agassizii Blue Flame) is a stunning selectively bred or locality-based color form of Apistogramma agassizii. It is admired for its electric blue body, elongated fins, and graceful swimming. While more territorial than A. borellii, it is still suitable for a peaceful planted aquarium when given enough space.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Apistogramma agassizii (“Blue Flame” morph)
• Common names: Blue Flame Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid
• Origin: Amazon Basin (species); Blue Flame is an aquarium strain/locality variant
• Adult size:
  • Male: 7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 in)
  • Female: 4–5 cm (1.6–2 in)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, especially during breeding

Appearance

• Males have an iridescent metallic blue body with elongated dorsal, anal, and tail fins.
• Red, orange, or yellow highlights may appear in the fins depending on the strain.
• Females are smaller, less colorful, and turn bright yellow when guarding eggs or fry.

Ideal Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 5.5–7.0
• Hardness: 1–8 dGH (soft water preferred)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm

Aquarium Setup

• Minimum tank size: 75 liters (20 gallons) for a pair
• Fine sand substrate
• Plenty of driftwood, caves, leaf litter, and dense planting
• Dim lighting or floating plants to mimic Amazon conditions
• Gentle filtration with stable water quality

Diet

A varied, protein-rich diet keeps their colors vibrant:

• High-quality micro pellets
• Frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, mysis shrimp, and bloodworms
• Live foods occasionally for conditioning
• Feed 1–2 small meals daily.

Tank Mates

Good companions include:

• Small tetras (cardinal, ember, rummynose)
• Pencilfish
• Hatchetfish
• Corydoras catfish
• Otocinclus

Avoid:

• Large or aggressive cichlids
• Fin-nipping fish
• Fast, boisterous species that may stress them

Breeding

• Cave spawner.
• Female lays 40–100 eggs inside a cave.
• Eggs hatch in 2–4 days.
• Fry become free-swimming after 5–7 days.
• The female cares for the brood while the male defends the territory.

Care Tips

• Perform weekly 20–30% water changes.
• Keep water stable and clean, as sudden changes can stress them.
• Provide multiple caves if keeping more than one female.
• Feed a varied diet to maintain their brilliant blue coloration.