Apistogramma Opal

Overview:
The Apistogramma Opal is a breathtaking variant of Apistogramma agassizii, beloved for its iridescent blue body, red highlights, and striking opalescent sheen. With graceful fins and vibrant coloration, this dwarf cichlid adds a splash of elegance to planted aquariums. Males are especially colorful and develop long, flowing fins, while females remain smaller and more golden in appearance.

Origin:
Originally found in the Amazon Basin of South America, this opal morph is the result of selective breeding from wild A. agassizii populations. These fish thrive in soft, acidic waters with dense plant growth and plenty of hiding places.

Feeding:
Apistogrammas are micro-predators. Offer a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and occasional live treats such as daphnia or blackworms for best health and color.

Tank Mates:
Best kept with peaceful, non-aggressive species such as small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, otocinclus, and Corydoras. Avoid fin-nippers or overly active fish. Can be kept singly, in male-female pairs, or in harems (1 male to 2+ females) with enough space.

Water Parameters:

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  Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
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  pH: 6.0–7.2 (slightly acidic preferred)
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  Soft water preferred: 2–10 dGH
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  Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (for a pair or small harem)
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  Provide plenty of plants, caves, driftwood, and leaf litter for natural behavior

Breeding:
Relatively easy to breed in soft, acidic water. Females lay eggs in a sheltered cave and care for the fry. Males are territorial but not overly aggressive.

Special Notes:

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  Prefer dim lighting and dark substrate to enhance colors and reduce stress
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  Excellent for biotope and planted aquascapes
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  Known for their interactive, intelligent behavior

The Apistogramma Opal is a show-stopping centerpiece for a peaceful freshwater aquarium, offering both visual brilliance and fascinating cichlid behavior in a manageable, community-friendly package.