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Apistogramma agassizii Tefe is a sought-after geographic form of the Apistogramma agassizii complex, originating from the Brazilian Amazon basin. Associated with the Tefé region, this small cichlid is valued for the males’ contrasting coloration, territorial behavior, and elaborate parental care. It prefers warm, soft, acidic water and a layout rich in shelters, leaves, and roots. This form is offered less regularly than more common varieties and is presented here as a wild-collected fish. It is best suited to aquarists who can maintain stable water quality and provide a calm, carefully structured environment.

General species description

Apistogramma agassizii Tefe represents a geographic population of Apistogramma agassizii, a South American dwarf cichlid in the family Cichlidae. Like other apistos, it stays close to the bottom and uses shelters for feeding, resting, and spawning. The male generally defends a territory, while the female guards the spawning site and fry. Its aquarium appeal comes from the combination of small adult size, nuanced social behavior, and variable coloration. The Tefé form remains uncommon in the aquarium trade, making it an interesting choice for aquarists who value distinct geographic populations.

Geographic origin and biotope

Country of reference: Brazil. The Tefé form is associated with the Tefé area in Amazonas State, within the Amazon basin. It inhabits calm to slow-moving waters linked to flooded forests, lake margins, and small tributaries. The habitat is often shaded by riparian vegetation, with water tinted by organic matter and low conductivity. In an aquarium, a layout with roots, leaf litter, and floating plants helps recreate this setting. Gentle filtration, subdued lighting, and stable water are preferable to strong current or a very open layout.

Precise location and local name

The name Tefé refers to the region around the city of Tefé, near Lake Tefé and neighboring aquatic habitats in Brazilian Amazonas. The trade name Apistogramma agassizii Tefe distinguishes this geographic origin from other forms of Apistogramma agassizii. In the aquarium hobby, it may also be called Tefé Apisto or Tefé geographic form. These names identify an origin population rather than a separate species. To preserve its identity, it is best not to mix it with other A. agassizii forms for breeding.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is elongated and laterally compressed, with a relatively broad head and a terminal mouth suited to searching for small prey. Adult males are usually larger and develop more extensive dorsal and caudal fins. Coloration may combine yellow, blue, and red tones, with dark markings that vary according to mood, sex, and social context. A breeding female often becomes bright yellow and displays highly visible brood-guarding coloration. The generally accepted maximum size is about 8 cm for males, while females remain smaller.

General diet

In nature, Apistogramma agassizii Tefe searches for small invertebrates, larvae, and other organisms associated with the substrate and leaf litter. In aquariums, a varied diet supports health and coloration: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other frozen foods can be offered in moderate portions. Fine-quality pellets are usually accepted after acclimation, but they should not be the sole food. Juveniles and breeding females benefit from small, frequent meals. A sound approach is to emphasize animal-based protein while maintaining variety and excellent water quality.

Essential data

• Name of source river: Rio Tefé
• Local name used: Tefé Apisto; Tefé geographic form
• Origin of the scientific name: Apistogramma agassizii was placed in the genus Apistogramma; the specific name agassizii honors Louis Agassiz.
• Etymology of the full name: Apistogramma is generally interpreted from Greek elements, referring to an irregular mark or line; agassizii honors the naturalist Louis Agassiz.
• Common/vernacular names: Agassiz’s dwarf cichlid; Agassiz’s Apisto; Tefé Apisto
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Cichlinae
• Name pronunciation: ah-piss-toh-GRAM-mah ah-gah-SIZ-ee-eye - TEH-feh
• Discovery: Franz Steindachner, 1875, for the species Apistogramma agassizii
• Maximum adult size: About 8 cm; males larger than females
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 29 °C; preferably pH 4.5 to 6.8
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Calm, shaded water rich in organic matter, with roots, leaf litter, and riparian vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Paracheirodon simulans, Carnegiella strigata, Corydoras agassizi, Otocinclus cocama
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful outside spawning; territorial near the brood, with parental care provided mainly by the female
• Water depth: Shallow areas and calm margins
• Sexual dimorphism: Male larger, more colorful, and more heavily finned; female smaller and yellow when breeding
• Bottom structure and flow: Fine sand, leaves, and woody debris; low to moderate flow

In your aquarium

Success with Apistogramma agassizii Tefe depends mainly on clean, soft, acidic water, a stable temperature, and a layout offering several shelters. Caves, coconut halves, or leaves allow the female to select a spawning site and help reduce territorial tension. Keep the current moderate and avoid boisterous or much larger tankmates. A varied diet, regular water changes, and careful acclimation are important for this wild-collected form. During breeding, provide enough space for the male and female to establish separate territories without constant conflict.