Apistogramma elizabethae

Apistogramma elizabethae is endemic to the lower reaches of the Uaupés and Içana rivers, which flow into the Rio Negro in northwestern Brazil; it is named after Elizabeth Agassiz. The membranes between the first five rays of the male's dorsal fin grow very large, turning the fin into a sail. The tail shape changes with age: it is rounded in juveniles, lyre-shaped in subadults and a pointed spade shape in adults. There are reddish "Super Red," yellowish and greenish forms; the forms should not be mixed with each other.

• At least 60 liters for one male and two females; caves and leaf litter.
• 26–28°C, pH 4.5–6, GH 1–3; RO water is almost mandatory.
• Dim light, roots, dried leaves; values must be kept very stable, and changes should be small and frequent.

Carnivorous. Small live and frozen foods (brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia, fine bloodworms) should be the staple. It may be slow to accept dry food.

Males display with their sail fins and are harsh toward other males. A female guarding fry becomes aggressive; in a small aquarium the male should be removed. It gets along well with calm fish that like soft water.

Good companions: cardinal tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, small blackwater rasboras.

Avoid: hard-water species, busy and domineering fish, large cichlids, shrimp breeding.