Megaptera Apistogramma

Apistogramma megaptera

Megaptera Apistogramma is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.

Semi-AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Megaptera Apistogramma?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 79–82°F (26–28°C)
pH: 4.5–6.5
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 26–28 °C, pH 4.5–6.5, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Megaptera 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

As an omnivore, Megaptera Apistogramma should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 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: Colombia, Venezuela.

Similar fish profiles

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

Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) 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) Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 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)

FAQ

How large does Megaptera Apistogramma get?

Megaptera Apistogramma reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Megaptera Apistogramma need?

Use an aquarium of at least 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.

Is Megaptera Apistogramma peaceful?

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

What temperature is suitable for Megaptera Apistogramma?

Keep it between 26 to 28 °C.