{"product_id":"freshwater-tropical-fish-for-sale-uk-gephyra-dwarf-cichlid-apistogramma-0032","title":"Gephyra Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma gephyra) — 3-4cm","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGephyra dwarf cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eApistogramma gephyra\u003c\/em\u003e) is a beautifully small, cave-breeding species from South America. This charming fish is highly regarded among dwarf cichlid enthusiasts and is one of the more fascinating species available as freshwater tropical fish for sale UK. With its striking personality, intricate patterning, and compact adult size of approximately 5 cm, this species is ideally suited to nano and planted aquarium setups. \u003cem\u003eA. gephyra\u003c\/em\u003e thrives in soft, acidic water and is best kept in species-specific or carefully planned community aquariums where its territorial behavior can be managed. For aquarists seeking a rare, behavior-rich centerpiece fish that offers breeding potential and captivating natural displays, the Gephyra dwarf cichlid delivers exceptional value and visual appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eApistogramma gephyra\u003c\/em\u003e males display intricate patterning with horizontal striping, vertical barring, and iridescent blue or green highlights on the face and gill covers. The dorsal fin is elongated and often shows red or orange accents, while the caudal fin may be lyre-shaped or rounded. Breeding males intensify their coloration dramatically, with vivid reds, oranges, and blues. Females are smaller and more subdued, typically showing a yellowish or olive base color with darker markings that intensify when guarding eggs or fry. Both sexes have large, expressive eyes and a graceful body shape. The overall appearance is refined and captivating, best appreciated in a naturalistic aquarium with dark substrate and subdued lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the exact native locality is not well documented, the genus \u003cem\u003eApistogramma\u003c\/em\u003e is native to slow-moving blackwater and clearwater tributaries of the Amazon basin. These habitats are characterized by soft, acidic water stained dark by tannins, abundant leaf litter, submerged roots, and overhanging vegetation. The substrate is typically fine sand or mud, and water flow is minimal. The environment is shaded and quiet, with stable temperatures and very low mineral content. Replicating these conditions in the aquarium is essential for the health and breeding success of \u003cem\u003eA. gephyra\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.0-7.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft, acidic water essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature, well-structured aquarium with soft, acidic water, subdued lighting, and plenty of cover. Use a sand substrate with leaf litter, driftwood, and live plants such as \u003cem\u003eAnubias\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eCryptocoryne\u003c\/em\u003e, or \u003cem\u003eMicrosorum\u003c\/em\u003e to create a naturalistic environment. Caves (coconut shells, clay pots, or driftwood) are essential for spawning and territorial behavior. Filtration should be efficient but gentle, with regular water changes to maintain excellent water quality. A minimum tank size of 80 litres is suitable for a pair or small group. Avoid bright lighting and strong water currents, which cause stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a carnivore, \u003cem\u003eApistogramma gephyra\u003c\/em\u003e requires a varied, high-protein diet. Offer quality micro pellets as the staple, supplemented with frozen and live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae, and other small invertebrates daily. Feed small portions multiple times per day to maintain optimal health and conditioning. Live foods are particularly beneficial for breeding pairs, as they help trigger spawning behavior and improve fry survival rates. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food degrades water quality rapidly in soft-water setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePro Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a deep layer of dried leaves (Indian almond, oak, or beech) on the substrate to replicate natural habitat, support beneficial bacteria, and provide natural tannins.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour and Temperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eApistogramma gephyra\u003c\/em\u003e is semi-aggressive, with males defending small territories around caves or preferred spawning sites. Females are generally peaceful until spawning, at which point they become highly protective of their eggs and fry. Despite their territorial tendencies, this species is relatively peaceful compared to many other cichlids and can coexist with carefully chosen tankmates. They spend much of their time near the substrate, exploring cover and sifting sand. In the right environment, their natural behavior—courtship displays, cave defense, and parental care—provides endless fascination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose tankmates carefully to avoid stressing this delicate species. Small peaceful tetras, rasboras, \u003cem\u003eOtocinclus\u003c\/em\u003e, small peaceful pencilfish, and non-aggressive dwarf catfish may coexist successfully in a well-structured aquarium. Avoid large or boisterous fish, fin-nippers, aggressive cichlids, very active bottom dwellers, and species that require hard alkaline water. In many cases, a species-only setup or a carefully planned biotope aquarium offers the best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eApistogramma gephyra\u003c\/em\u003e spawns in caves or sheltered crevices. Females guard eggs and fry while males defend territory. Soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5) and abundant live foods improve success, and the female may become highly protective during brood care. Eggs hatch in approximately three days, and fry become free-swimming several days later. Fry require very small live foods such as infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp. Breeding success improves with excellent water quality, stable parameters, and minimal disturbance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we specialize in sourcing rare and beautiful South American dwarf cichlids, including \u003cem\u003eApistogramma gephyra\u003c\/em\u003e. Every fish is carefully selected, quarantined, and health-checked before being made available to customers. We work with ethical suppliers who prioritize sustainable collection practices, ensuring the long-term health of wild populations. Our expert team provides detailed care guidance and ongoing support, helping you create the perfect environment for your new fish. With nationwide UK delivery, a live arrival guarantee, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Tropical Fish Co is your trusted partner for premium aquarium fish. Order today and discover the beauty of rare Apistogramma species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57427469336911,"sku":"0032","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/gephyra-dwarf-cichlid-apistogramma-gephyra-3-4cm-hero-driftwood-0032.webp?v=1776547780","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/freshwater-tropical-fish-for-sale-uk-gephyra-dwarf-cichlid-apistogramma-0032","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}