Red Neck Apistogramma

Red Neck Apistogramma (Apistogramma macmasteri) — The Red Neck form displays vivid red-orange coloration on the face, throat, and nape area — the defining 'red neck' marking that gives this color form its name. The contrasting yellow body and vivid red facial coloration create an eye-catching two-tone pattern in males. Apistogramma macmasteri is one of the most commonly kept and widely available apistogrammas, and one of the best choices for aquarists making their first foray into dwarf cichlids. It is hardy, adaptable, colorful, and displays constantly — a fish with real presence in any planted community aquarium.

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. Color is most vivid in soft to medium, slightly acidic water. Indian almond leaves and driftwood additions are beneficial. 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 Meta River drainage of Colombia and Venezuela, Apistogramma macmasteri inhabits slow-moving, slightly acidic to neutral blackwater streams with abundant leaf litter and overhanging vegetation. It is a robust and adaptable species that tolerates a wider range of water conditions than many apistogrammas.

Keep one male with two or more females. Males are bold and active, displaying constantly to females and engaging in vigorous fin-spreading territorial displays against other males. Despite this energy, A. macmasteri is relatively peaceful with unrelated species and makes an excellent centerpiece fish in a planted community aquarium.

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.

Care & Ideal Parameters