Black-throated Dwarf Cichlid – Apistogramma viejita | Colorfully magnificent, peaceful South American dwarf cichlid

The Black-Throated Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma viejita) is a beautiful and peaceful representative of the South American dwarf cichlids. It impresses with its intense coloration – a bright yellow body with blue scales, a contrasting black throat marking, and red fin edges. Males, in particular, display a magnificent play of colors during the courtship phase, while females stand out with their strong yellow color and caring brood behavior.

Apistogramma viejita originates from the slow-flowing blackwater areas of the Río Meta in Colombia. There, it lives in shallow, plant-rich bank zones with soft, slightly acidic water. In the aquarium, it prefers similar conditions with fine sand substrate, many roots, and shady retreats.

🌿 Characteristics & Keeping:
🐟 Fish size: M (approx. 2.5–3 cm, juvenile)
🌍 Origin: South America (Colombia, Orinoco region) – Bred
🌡️ Temperature: 24–29 °C
💧 pH value: 5.5–7.2
⚖️ Total hardness: up to 12 °dGH
🐠 Social behavior: Peaceful, pair-forming or harem keeping
🏞️ Aquarium: from 80 l with plants, roots, leaves & sand substrate

🍽️ Feeding:
The Black-Throated Dwarf Cichlid prefers frozen and live food such as Artemia, Cyclops, Daphnia, and mosquito larvae. After acclimation, it also accepts fine granulated or flake food. A varied diet promotes its vitality and color intensity.

💡 Tip:
Keep Apistogramma viejita preferably in pairs or small groups (1 male with several females). Soft water, many hiding places, and a calm environment promote courtship, brood care, and natural colors.

👉 Conclusion:
The Black-Throated Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma viejita) is a peaceful, colorful, and easy-to-care-for Apistogramma – ideal for planted South American aquariums.