Hongsloi Apistogramma

Hongsloi Apistogramma (Apistogramma hongsloi) is a beautiful and moderately commonly available species from Colombia with a distinctive and attractive color pattern. Males display a warm yellow to golden body with vivid red facial markings, a red-edged tail, and blue iridescence on the anterior body — a rich, multi-toned color scheme. Named for Erik Hongslo, a Norwegian fish exporter.

Feeding & Care Tip: Always soak Hikari Micro Pellets in a small cup of tank water for 30–60 seconds before feeding — Apistogrammas can be prone to bloat from dry foods expanding in the gut. Hikari Vibra Bites are an excellent treat option; the sinking worm-like shape triggers the natural hunting instinct of these micro-predators and they will snap them up eagerly. Red facial markings and tail edging are most vivid in soft, slightly acidic water with tannin additions. Indian almond leaves and driftwood are recommended. For breeding conditioning, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms fed 2–3 times per week reliably trigger spawning behavior and improve egg quality.

Native to the lower Meta River drainage and upper Orinoco basin in Colombia — slow-moving, slightly acidic blackwater streams and pools with sandy substrate and leaf litter. It is more adaptable to varied water conditions than many apistogrammas but shows its best color in soft, slightly acidic water.

Keep one male with two or more females. Males display actively with vivid red facial coloration intensifying during territorial interactions. Peaceful with small tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras.

Apistogrammas are cave-spawning dwarf cichlids. The female takes on all parental duties — she guards the eggs and fry aggressively while her body turns bright canary yellow as a warning signal. Males should be watched during this period as females may attack them to protect the spawn; providing sight-breaks with plants and décor helps reduce tension. Coconut caves, clay pots, or driftwood crevices all make excellent spawning sites. Fry are initially tiny and require infusoria or freshly hatched baby brine shrimp for their first meals. Apistogrammas are found in the leaf-litter zones of blackwater forest streams and require a well-decorated aquarium to feel secure and display their best color. A dark substrate, driftwood, leaf litter (Indian almond leaves are ideal), and dense planting around the edges with open sandy areas in the center replicates the natural habitat and dramatically reduces stress. Stressed apistos hide, fade in color, and become susceptible to disease. A comfortable apisto is a spectacular one.

Care & Ideal Parameters