Apistogramma Agassizii Gold Fire

The Apistogramma Agassizii "Gold Fire" (also referred to as Fire Red or Fire Gold) is a breathtaking, man-made line-bred variant of the South American dwarf cichlid. It is renowned for its luminous golden body and vibrant red-orange fins.

Appearance and Size

• Golden body: Displays a bright metallic gold or yellow base coloration, notably lacking the prominent wild-type lateral stripe.
• Fire highlights: Features fiery red-orange extensions on the dorsal, caudal (tail), and ventral fins.
• Adult size: Males grow up to approximately 7.5 cm (3 inches), while females are smaller, reaching around 5 cm (2 inches).

Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: Requires at least 80 liters (20 gallons) for a pair or trio.
• Water parameters: Optimal water temperature ranges from 24–28°C (73–82°F), with a pH level of 6.0–7.0.
• Setup: Prefers a heavily planted environment featuring sand or fine gravel, driftwood, leaf litter, and dedicated caves (such as coconut shells) for hiding and spawning.

Behavior and Care

• Temperament: Typically peaceful, though males may display territorial behavior, and females become highly protective of eggs during spawning.
• Tank mates: Ideal companions are calm, mid-to-top dwelling community fish such as small tetras or rasboras. It is best to avoid bottom-dwelling species or other aggressive cichlids.
• Diet: Omnivorous with a preference for carnivorous food. Thrives on high-quality micro pellets, frozen foods, and live options like brine shrimp.