Apistogramma Tucurui - Male & Female Pair

Apistogramma tucurui

• Care Level: Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 90 litres (20 gallons)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.0
• Temperature Range: 23–30°C (72–86°F)
• Water Flow: Gentle
• Sexing: Males are larger and more brightly coloured; females are smaller and display more yellow

Why We Love This Fish:

• Unique and vibrant colouration on the fins, with striking red facial highlights
• Hardy and full of personality
• Can be bred successfully in the home aquarium
• Generally compatible with other peaceful species in a sufficiently large tank
• Perfect for aquarists seeking a colourful and engaging species

Description:

Apistogramma tucurui is a stunning dwarf cichlid native to South America, celebrated for its vivid colours and confident behaviour. Males are especially eye-catching, showcasing brilliant colours and elongated fins. Females are more modestly coloured, typically exhibiting warm yellow tones and expressive body language.

These cichlids flourish in a well-decorated tank with soft, sandy substrate and plenty of hiding places created with driftwood, rockwork, and clay pots. Though well-suited to a planted aquarium, they also need ample open swimming space. Their natural habitat tends to be calm, tannin-rich waters, and this can be mimicked in the home aquarium with leaf litter and subdued lighting.

While peaceful under normal conditions, territorial behaviour can increase significantly during breeding periods. For this reason, it’s best to avoid keeping them with delicate invertebrates such as dwarf shrimp. Larger shrimp and snails may be considered in larger tanks. If breeding is intended, tank mates should be kept to a minimum, or a species-only aquarium is recommended.

Feeding:

Feeding Apistogramma tucurui is straightforward. They are not fussy eaters and will accept a wide variety of meaty foods. Offer a mix of high-quality dry pellets, frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and live foods such as daphnia. Variety is crucial to maintaining vibrant colouration and optimal health.

Above images for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.

Please note: The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Swell shop, or available for collection from the shop. Species sold at our Swell store will differ from ones available to order to your door.

All livestock deliveries are subject to our full Delivery Terms & Conditions, please read before ordering.