Fire Gold Red-Shoulder Apisto

Macmaster’s Dwarf Cichlid Fire Gold (Apistogramma macmasteri)

A popular and attractively patterned dwarf cichlid from the upper Meta River drainage in the Orinoco basin of Colombia. Named after Mark McMaster, a well-known aquarist and dwarf cichlid enthusiast, this species is prized for its manageable size, interesting harem spawning behavior, and the striking coloration that males display during breeding. It remains one of the more commonly available Apistogramma in the hobby while still carrying important conservation considerations as a Near Threatened species in the wild. This is the Fire Gold variant, bred for the orange-gold coloration across the body and fins.

Key Features

• Maximum Size: Male 5.5 cm / ~2.2 inches SL; Female 5.0 cm / ~2.0 inches SL (up to 7 cm TL).
• Appearance: Compact, laterally compressed body typical of dwarf cichlids. Males are larger and more colorful with extended fins and vibrant breeding coloration; females are smaller and less ornate but become quite striking when guarding fry. Specific wild patterns vary but often include yellows, blues, and contrasting markings.
• Fin Details: Males develop noticeably elongated dorsal and anal fins during breeding.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 60 cm / ~24 inches base length for a pair or small harem (larger for groups).
• Water Parameters: Soft, acidic to slightly acidic tropical freshwater; 73–86°F (23–30°C), pH 6.0–6.5, very low hardness (2–4°dGH). Excellent water quality with regular partial changes is essential. Provide a soft sandy substrate, leaf litter, driftwood, caves or ceramic pots, and plants for cover and spawning sites. Dim lighting helps them feel secure.
• 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 a dwarf cichlid when kept in appropriately sized tanks with plenty of hiding spots. Best kept as a harem (one male with several females) or in species tanks. The male may service multiple females in a shared spawning site (cave or thick vegetation); the female cares for the eggs and fry (typically 60–120 eggs). Avoid mixing with other Apistogramma to prevent hybridization. Captive-bred specimens are far more adaptable than wild-caught fish.

IUCN Status Near Threatened (NT)