Mendezi Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma mendezi

Mendezi Dwarf Cichlid is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

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

Need help with Mendezi Dwarf Cichlid?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size: 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 73–84°F (23–29°C)
pH: 4–6
GH: 1–3 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: 24 US gal (90 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

Mendezi Dwarf Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

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.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
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.

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

FAQ

How large does Mendezi Dwarf Cichlid get?

Mendezi Dwarf Cichlid reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Mendezi Dwarf Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.

Is Mendezi Dwarf Cichlid peaceful?

Yes. Mendezi Dwarf Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Mendezi Dwarf Cichlid?

Keep it between 23 to 29 °C.