Groups & complexes

The macmasteri group

Explore macmasteri and hongsloi through their Orinoco-basin context, aquarium forms and identification challenges.

Group is not the same as species

This is an informal hobby grouping used to navigate related fish; macmasteri and hongsloi also appear in separate complexes in specialist arrangements. Such systems help organize comparisons but should not be confused with formal taxonomic ranks. The hub covers the two substantive launch profiles and does not imply that those are its only members.

Keep geography meaningful

The profiles connect these fish to parts of the Meta, Vichada and Orinoco systems. A basin name is useful context, while a documented collecting locality can be much more specific. Do not invent a locality for an ornamental aquarium line. Preserve the original supplier records and distinguish known origin from inference.

Ornamental forms need careful labels

Red coloration and commercial names are often what attract a keeper first, but they are not sufficient for a firm identification. Macmasteri-like fish sold as viejita are a familiar reason to ask more questions. Record the label exactly, obtain clear photographs and avoid distributing uncertain offspring under a more precise name than the evidence supports.

Turn comparison into a plan

Read the water targets and behavior notes for each species before making a choice. Then consider the fish actually available: its source, feeding and accustomed conditions. A restrained community may work with suitable captive-bred individuals, while a breeding project calls for more control. Prepare a separation option for either approach.

Read the species sources

Explore the profiles.

Macmaster’s dwarf cichlidIntermediate

A. macmasteri

Upper Meta basin · Colombia

Temperature
24–28 °C
Target pH
5.5–7
Plan from
75 L
Hongslo’s dwarf cichlidIntermediate

A. hongsloi

Meta & Vichada · Orinoco basin

Temperature
24–28 °C
Target pH
5.5–7
Plan from
75 L