Elizabeth’s Apistogramma

Apistogramma elizabethae

Elizabeth’s Apistogramma is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.

Semi-AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Elizabeth’s Apistogramma?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 73–84°F (23–29°C)
pH: 4–6
GH: 1–3 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–29 °C, pH 4–6, GH 1–3 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Elizabeth’s Apistogramma needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Offer small live and frozen foods and ensure the fish receive their share.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Agassiz’s Apistogramma Apistogramma agassizii Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Barlow’s Apistogramma Apistogramma barlowi Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma eunotus Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Elizabeth’s Apistogramma get?

Elizabeth’s Apistogramma reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Elizabeth’s Apistogramma need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.

Is Elizabeth’s Apistogramma peaceful?

Elizabeth’s Apistogramma needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Elizabeth’s Apistogramma?

Keep it between 23 to 29 °C.