HomeFreshwater aquarium fishSouth & Central American cichlidsMikrogeophagus altispinosus Mikrogeophagus altispinosus Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus Haseman, 1911 Mikrogeophagus altispinosus is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 5.6 cm (2.2 in). It is difficult to keep and semi-aggressive, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 110 L (29 US gal), water at 22–26°C (72–79°F) and a pH of 7.0. Native range: South America, Amazon River basin, in the Guapor? River drainage in Brazil and Bolivia, and in the Mamor? River drainage in Bolivia . Mikrogeophagus altispinosus care at a glanceCare levelDifficultTemperamentSemi-aggressiveCommunity tankGoodAdult size5.6 cm (2.2 in)Minimum tank110 L (29 US gal)Temperature22–26°C (72–79°F)pH7.0DietOmnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods. Species factsScientific nameMikrogeophagus altispinosusFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length5.6EnvironmentFreshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - ?; dH range: 10 - ? benthopelagicClimateTropicalDistributionSouth America: Amazon River basin, in the Guapor? River drainage in Brazil and Bolivia, and in the Mamor? River drainage in Bolivia.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) More south & central american cichlidsNimbochromis venustusSmooth-cheek eartheaterGymnogeophagus gymnogenysArgentine humpheadGymnogeophagus balzaniiRedhump eartheaterGeophagus steindachneriEmerald cichlidHypselecara temporalisThreespot eartheaterSatanoperca daemonSee all south & central american cichlids SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026