Agassizzii's dwarf cichlid is one of the most common species of Apistogramma in the hobby, and numerous bred strains exist. There are several species of Apistogramma that were once thought to be part of this species, and the complex is rather speciose. Many of our domestic strains may actually be the result of hybridising some of these closely related species. The Fire Red is a domestic, line bred variety, initially imported from Eastern Europe. At least two different types of "Fire Reds" exist -- the more common "orange" variety, and the purple-red variety.
These fish are fairly forgiving of water conditions, but will show their best colouration in a tank mimicing their natural habitat. A slightly acidic pH, low hardness, and lots of tanins produced by an abundance of driftwood, oak leaves, and coconut shells will make these fish feel right at home.
In the aquarium, these are a peaceful fish which generally leave other fish alone. Males may bicker with each other, but seldom actually harm each other, provided the aquarium is large enough. These fish are naturally harem breeders, and one male will often court multiple females at once.
Suggested tank mates for these fish would include any other neotropical tetras, pencilfish, or hatchet fish. Smaller members of the rainbowfish genus Pseudomugil also mix well with these fishes.