Three-stripe Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma trifasciata

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae

📍 Paraguay & Mato Grosso, South America

Stunning apisto with brilliant iridescent blue and red markings. Males are notably elongated and display vivid colour during spawning. Peaceful for a cichlid and works well in planted community tanks.

Size2.5"

Min Tank20g

School2+

semi-aggressive

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Three-stripe dwarf cichlids are carnivorous and require high-quality live or frozen micro prey as their primary diet, including bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes. Supplement occasionally with quality micro pellets formulated for small cichlids, but live/frozen foods should comprise at least 70% of their diet.

Behavior

These cichlids are territorial and semi-aggressive, especially males during spawning season, but remain relatively peaceful compared to larger cichlid species. They are bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time exploring substrate and vegetation, displaying elaborate color changes and fin displays during courtship or territorial disputes. Pairs are best kept alone or in heavily planted tanks to reduce aggression toward other fish.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires specific conditions: soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5), temperatures around 26-28°C, and plenty of caves or dense vegetation for spawning sites. Pairs are monogamous and will aggressively defend eggs and fry; remove other tank inhabitants or provide substantial hiding spaces. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before graduating to micro prey.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom-dweller that shares similar water parameters and won't compete for territory

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water column and prefer similar soft, acidic water

good

Panda Corydoras

Peaceful catfish that shares bottom habitat but is large enough to avoid predation

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

May be eaten by cichlids, especially during breeding; use only in heavily planted tanks with dense cover

caution

Anubias Nana

Hardy plant that provides shelter and won't be uprooted by cichlid digging behavior

excellent

Rummy Nose Tetra

Small, peaceful schooler that prefers soft, acidic water matching cichlid requirements

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove any sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure pH and temperature stability

Hexamita (Hole-in-the-Head)

Symptoms

Pits or holes in head region, loss of appetite, weight loss, erratic swimming

Treatment

Perform large water changes, improve diet with quality live foods, use metronidazole-based medication; maintain pristine water conditions and reduce stress