All fish / Cichlidae

Barlow's Apisto

Apistogramma barlowi

Also known as barlow's apistogramma, apistogramma sp. breitbinden, apisto barlowi, wide band apisto, mouthbrooding apisto, アピストグラマ・バルロウィ, 巴洛短鲷

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A stocky dwarf cichlid with a large head, an earthy yellow to brown body and a bold dark lateral band, with males growing noticeably bigger than females. It is kept mainly for its unusual behaviour, as it is the only Apistogramma known to brood its young in the mouth.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

4.5 to 6.8

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

One pair or one male with a female; males are territorial

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, plus quality small pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Peru: upper Amazon tributaries (Río Tahuayo and Nanay area)

Breeding

The female lays eggs in a cave and later takes the eggs or larvae into her mouth, a form of biparental or maternal mouthbrooding unique in the genus. Breeding is achievable in soft, acidic, clean water with a well settled pair, though it is less reliable than with common apistos.

Good to know

Males can be rough on females and other bottom dwellers, so offer plenty of caves and cover. Wild fish need soft, acidic water and stable conditions to thrive.