Apistogramma elizabethae
Matt Hendrichs
Apistogramma elizabethae (San Felipe)
Elizabeth’s Dwarf Cichlid (suggested by Aquarium Glaser 12/23/2020)
Cave spawner
Ratio: 2 males, 2 females
Wild caught, San Felipe
Approximate number of fry: 40+
Date of Hatch or Birth*: 1/12/2026
Date of Free Swimming If Hatched: 1/15/2026
Approx. Number of Fry at 30 Days*
Approx. Number of Fry at 60 Days
Aquarium Conditions
pH (0 to 14): 6.0/6.5
TDS: 114
General Hardness (ppm): unknown
Average Temperature (F): 79
Salinity (if brackish or marine): n/a
Average Nitrate (ppm): 5
Aquarium Size (L X W X H and Gallons): 20 gallon high
Water Source: RODI
Water Changes (how much and how often): 20% weekly/every other week
Filtration System(s): 1 sponge filter
Additives (Salt, iron, etc.): fist-sized bag of Japanese Triple Red Line Super Hard Akadama soil mix medium grain
Décor (Please include all that apply)
Live Plants: none
Plastic Plants: none
Wood: 1 small piece
Leaves: oak leaves
Caves or Similar Hiding Places: 1 Aquarium Co-Op cave, 1 DIY glass cave, 1 Ourico nut pod
Spawning mop: n/a
Substrate (Gravel/Pea size gravel/Sand/None/Other; Please Specify): none, just a layer of leaf litter
Lighting Type and Timing: none
Food Fed to Parents and How Often*: rotation of Extreme Nano pellets, baby brine shrimp, and live blackworms
Food Fed to Fry and How Often*: baby brine shrimp 2-3x daily
The wild caught Apistogramma elizabethae San Felipe were purchased as unsexed juveniles from Capital Exotic Fish in February 2025. The female had three spawns prior to this spawn. Every 3-4 weeks she would lay eggs and then eat them. The fourth time they hatched. The female spawned in the Aquarium Co-Op cave. Once the wigglers were spotted on 1/12/26, the cave with wigglers and female were moved to a 5 gallon aquarium. The fry were free swimming on 1/15/2026. The female is currently still with the fry but will be moved back to the 20 gallon soon and the fry will be moved to a 10 gallon.
Video posted is of female with fry.