Red Neck Macmaster's Apistogramma

The 'Red Neck' variant of Apistogramma macmasteri is a Colombian form that has been selectively maintained in the hobby for its exceptionally vivid scarlet-red nape coloration, which spreads from behind the eye across the neck and upper body in dominant males. Against a pale body with a bold black lateral stripe and yellow-tinged dorsal fin, the effect is spectacular.

A. macmasteri is one of the most popular and adaptable members of the genus, tolerating a broader range of water parameters than many of its congeners. This makes the 'Red Neck' form accessible to hobbyists at all experience levels while offering display quality usually reserved for more demanding species.

It is an active, inquisitive fish that quickly establishes itself as the personality centerpiece of any aquarium and will spawn readily in well-established soft to medium-hardness water.

Water: Flexible — pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 24–28°C; adapts to moderately hard tap water. Tank: 80 L minimum; caves essential; plants and driftwood for territorial delineation. Feeding: Pellets, flakes, frozen Artemia, and bloodworm all accepted enthusiastically. Breeding: Cave spawner; female guards fry; spawns readily — one of the easiest apistos to breed. Compatibility: Excellent community fish; pairs well with most small South American species.