All fish / Cichlidae

Two-striped dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma bitaeniata

Also known as banded dwarf cichlid, two striped apistogramma, bitaeniata, apistogramma bitaeniata, two-banded dwarf cichlid, apisto bitaeniata, アピストグラマ・ビタエニアータ, 双线短鲷

This small Amazonian cichlid has two dark stripes running along the body. Males have tall dorsal fins with long filament-like rays and blue and yellow tones on the face and fins. Keepers like it for its colour, its displays and the way it guards its brood.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

5 to 6.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

One male with two or more females

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp, plus quality micro pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper and middle Amazon basin in Peru, Colombia and Brazil

Breeding

Females lay eggs in caves and guard them. Males hold territories that may take in several females. Breeding works best in soft, acidic water with low conductivity, and the female cares for the fry for several weeks.

Good to know

Males get territorial while breeding, so give them plenty of caves and plants. The species is sensitive to nitrate and hard water, and wild forms from different localities are sold under the same name.