Apistogramma macmasteri

Scientific Name: Apistogramma macmasteri
Common Name: Macmaster’s Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma macmasteri is a beautiful South American dwarf cichlid prized for its bold coloration, intricate body markings, impressive finnage, and classic Apistogramma personality. Mature males can develop striking combinations of red, orange, yellow, blue, and dark contrasting markings, while females typically remain smaller and may display brighter yellow coloration during breeding.

Native to the Orinoco River basin of Colombia, A. macmasteri naturally inhabits slow-moving, shallow waters with abundant submerged structure and organic material. In the aquarium, recreating this type of sheltered environment helps encourage natural behavior and gives these small cichlids secure territories.

Although compact, Macmasteri are true cichlids with plenty of personality. They spend much of their time exploring the lower portions of the aquarium, establishing territories around caves, driftwood, plants, and other structures.

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Peaceful / Territorial
Adult Size: Approximately 2–3.5 inches, with males generally larger than females
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature: Approximately 75–82°F
pH: Approximately 5.5–7.5
Diet: Omnivore with a preference for protein-rich foods

Recommended Setup: A mature, well-filtered aquarium with sand or another fine substrate, plants, driftwood, caves, leaf litter, and plenty of visual barriers. Multiple secure hiding places are especially important when keeping a pair or multiple dwarf cichlids.

Feed a varied diet of high-quality, appropriately sized prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small aquatic foods.

Behavior & Tankmates: Apistogramma macmasteri can be maintained with carefully selected peaceful community fish, but like other dwarf cichlids, they can become significantly more territorial when breeding. Avoid aggressive species and overly competitive bottom-dwelling tankmates.

Breeding: Apistogramma macmasteri is a cave-spawning dwarf cichlid. Females typically select a protected cave or cavity for spawning and become highly attentive and territorial while guarding their eggs and developing fry.

Please Note: Coloration, markings, fin development, size, and sex naturally vary between individual fish. Mature males generally develop the strongest coloration and most elaborate finnage. The fish you receive may differ from the individual pictured.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.