Apistogramma viejita

Apistogramma viejita is a species that forms color forms in different parts of the Meta River basin in Colombia. The male is distinguished from its close relative A. macmasteri by the dark upper edge of its dorsal fin and the rectangular, trapezoidal or crescent-shaped spot at the tail base; macmasteri has a deeper body and a "D"-shaped spot. A large share of the fish sold in stores as "viejita" are actually macmasteri. Genuine viejita is rarely bred commercially and is usually of wild origin.

• At least 60 liters for one male and two females; a cave for each female.
• 25–27°C, very soft water (GH 1–4) and pH 5–6.5; with most tap water, RO is needed.
• Fine sand, dried leaves, roots and dim light; values should be kept stable.

Carnivorous. Small live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia and fine bloodworms should be the staple; it accepts granules once accustomed to them.

Males are territorial; the female fiercely defends her cave while guarding fry, and in a single-pair setup the male may also help protect the fry. It leaves calm midwater fish alone and hunts shrimplets.

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

Avoid: species that need hard water, large cichlids, shrimp breeding, a second male in a small aquarium.