Rosa Apistogramma

Apistogramma rositae is a jewel among Colombian dwarf cichlids and one of the most visually dramatic species in the entire genus when it comes to female coloration. During spawning, the female undergoes a remarkable transformation to a vivid rosy-pink coloration that matches or exceeds the male's display colors — an unusual trait that distinguishes this species from almost all other Apistogramma.

Males are themselves attractive, displaying iridescent blue scale rows against a yellow-ochre body with red-accented fins. The species inhabits soft, tannin-stained streams in the Colombian Amazon drainage and requires careful blackwater management to thrive.

A. rositae is an advanced keeper's species due to its water chemistry demands and relative rarity, but the spectacle of a breeding pair in full color is one of the finest displays the genus has to offer.

Water: Soft, acidic — pH 5.0–6.5, temperature 25–28°C, low TDS. Tank: 60 L with blackwater conditioning, leaf litter, and multiple caves. Feeding: Live/frozen micro-prey essential; pellets as supplement once settled. Breeding: Cave spawner; female's rosy breeding dress is the signal — provide a cave immediately. Compatibility: Very small, peaceful micro-fish only; best in species tank.