Apistogramma Bitaeniata

Apistogramma bitaeniata

Also known as Banded Apistogramma, Two-banded Apistogramma

Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Cichlidae

Apistogramma bitaeniata, commonly known as the Two-Striped Apistogramma, is a small and colorful dwarf cichlid native to South American blackwater streams. Males display vibrant red and blue coloration with distinctive dark stripes, while females are more subdued in coloring. These peaceful cichlids are ideal for planted community tanks and are relatively hardy for intermediate aquarists.

Where it's from

Native to the Amazon river basin

Brazil, Colombia and Peru

At a glance

Size: 2.5 in; 6 cm
Min tank: 20 gal; 76 L
Temp: 75–82°F; 24–28°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
GH: 36–143 ppm; 2–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 3-5 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Feed small live foods such as micro worms, daphnia, and brine shrimp 2-3 times daily. Supplement with high-quality micro pellets and occasional frozen foods. These small cichlids have tiny mouths and require appropriately sized food particles.

Behavior

Apistogramma bitaeniata are bottom-dwelling, territorial cichlids that spend most of their time exploring substrate and caves. Males are more colorful and aggressive toward other males, while females are more subdued. They are generally peaceful with other small community fish and prefer heavily planted environments with hiding spots.

Breeding

Breeding is moderately difficult and requires soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5) and temperatures around 26-28°C. Pairs will establish territories and lay eggs in caves or crevices. The female guards eggs and fry while the male defends the territory. Remove fry to a separate rearing tank after they become free-swimming.

Tank mates

See all 6

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy upper water column

excellent

Rummy Nose Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish that do not compete for bottom space

excellent

Otocinclus

Small algae eaters that share bottom habitat but are peaceful

good

Corydoras Sterbai

Peaceful bottom dwellers that may compete for food but generally coexist

good

Dwarf Gourami

Can be territorial; monitor for aggression, especially during breeding

caution

Fits a 20-gallon tank Peaceful

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CC BY 4.0); Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).