Apistogramma norberti

Apistogramma norberti

A colorful and engaging dwarf cichlid from the jungle streams of northeastern Peru. Formerly known in the hobby as A. sp. ‘großmaul’ or ‘bigmouth’ (A190), this species was formally described in 1991 and remains a favorite among enthusiasts for its manageable size, striking male coloration, and interesting behavior in planted or biotope aquariums.

Key Features

• Maximum Size: Male 6 cm / ~2.4 inches; Female 4 cm / ~1.6 inches.
• Appearance: Males are larger and more colorful with extended fins; females are smaller and less vibrant but still attractive. The species shows the typical Apistogramma body shape with a relatively large head and mouth (hence the old “bigmouth” trade name).
• Fin Details: Males develop noticeably elongated dorsal and anal fins.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 45 × 30 cm base for a single pair (larger for groups or community setups).
• Water Parameters: Soft, acidic tropical freshwater; 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 4.5–6.5, very low hardness (0–54 ppm). Excellent water quality with gentle flow is essential. Use sand or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, leaf litter (beech, oak, or almond leaves), and plants like Cryptocoryne, Anubias, or Microsorum for cover and natural feel. Dim lighting and floating plants help create the shaded conditions they prefer.
• Diet: Primarily carnivorous — offer live or frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia, bloodworm, and small invertebrates regularly. Most accept high-quality pellets or flakes, though live/frozen foods are preferred for conditioning and breeding.
• Behavior: Generally peaceful for an Apistogramma when kept in appropriately sized tanks with plenty of hiding spots. Best kept as a pair or small group with small dither fish (e.g., Nannostomus or Micropoecilia). Avoid mixing with other Apistogramma to prevent hybridization. Substrate spawner; the female cares for eggs and fry in caves or crevices. Males can be territorial.

IUCN Status Not Evaluated