Heterogramma Regan, 1906 Pintoichthys Fowler, 1954 Apistogramma is a large genus of freshwater fish in the family Cichlidae native to South America, but also commonly kept in aquariums.

[3][8] Apistogramma are dwarf cichlids with adults reaching between 2 and 8 cm (0.8–3.1 in) in standard length depending on exact species.

[10] A few species, including A. agassizii, A. cacatuoides, A hongsloi and A. macmasteri, have been selectively bred by aquarists to achieve brighter colors than the natural, wild forms.

Their main food items consist of aquatic insect larvae and other small invertebrates, fish fry, algae and plant debris.

Nearly all Apistogramma species spawn in crevices (small caves), typically in holes in sunken logs or branches, or in leaf litter aggregations.

[15][16] In most cases, regardless of the breeding strategy, the female is more highly involved with care of the eggs and fry, whilst the male defends a territory from predators.