Apistogramma steindachneri

Apistogramma steindachneri is a large Apistogramma from the coastal rivers of Guyana and Suriname, with males reaching 9–10 cm. The rear edges of the scales on the male's back are jet black and the front edges blue or yellow; the lower body is bluish. There is a triangular blotch on the flanks and a round spot at the tail base, and the upper and lower tips of the tail extend into a lyre shape. Although it prefers soft, slightly acidic water, it is more tolerant than most of its relatives; its eggs are red.

• Because of its size, at least 100 liters for one male and two females.
• 23–26°C; soft to moderately hard, pH 6–7.5.
• A cave for each female, fine sand, roots and visual barriers; a 25% water change every week.

Carnivorous. Make frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis and daphnia, along with sinking granules, the staple. With its large mouth it can also take bigger pieces of food.

Males are territorial and, because of their large build, can put pressure on small bottom dwellers. The female guards the fry; when a single pair is kept, the male may also help protect the free-swimming fry. It hunts shrimp.

Good companions: medium-sized tetras (rummy-nose, Congo tetra), hatchetfish, bristlenose plecos.

Avoid: shrimp, very small bottom dwellers, other Apistogramma males, large aggressive cichlids.