Banded dwarf cichlid - Apistogramma bitaeniata

Scientific name: Apistogramma bitaeniata

Common name: Banded dwarf cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 8 cm (1.57 - 3.15 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 5 - 6

Recommended water hardness: 0 - 4°N (0 - 71.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Overview

Apistogramma bitaeniata (Banded/Two-band Apisto) is a blackwater dwarf cichlid from the Amazon basin (Peru & Brazil). Males develop elongated dorsal and caudal rays with a lyre-tail and shimmering iridescence overlaying two distinct dark lateral bands, while females are smaller and turn a vibrant yellow when guarding fry.

Care & Tank Setup

• Tank & group: Best maintained as a harem (1 male with 2–3 females) in a tank of at least 70–100 l with a footprint ≥ 60 cm. Provide multiple territories.
• Water: pH 4.5–6.5 (ideal 5.0–6.0), hardness 0–4 °dGH, temperature 24–28 °C. Keep nitrate levels extremely low; gentle flow with good oxygenation is important.
• Aquascape: Use fine sand substrate, abundant leaf litter (catappa, oak), botanicals, roots and branches, and multiple tight caves (coconut shells, narrow tubes). Dim, tannin-stained water replicates their natural habitat.
• Maintenance: Frequent, modest water changes (15–25% twice weekly) with matching parameters; avoid sudden fluctuations.

Diet & Feeding

Micro-predator that adapts to quality prepared foods but thrives on small live and frozen fare.

• Staples: Micro-pellets for carnivores, high-quality flakes.
• Live/frozen: Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, black mosquito larvae, grindal and white worms (sparingly).
• Feed small portions 2–3 times daily; overfeeding and heavy proteins can cause digestive problems.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Conspecifics: Harem-forming and territorial; females guard breeding caves. More caves = fewer conflicts.
• Other fish: Suitable tankmates include small, peaceful upper- and mid-water species such as tiny tetras or hatchetfish, and small non-aggressive catfish. Corydoras may raid eggs during spawning and are risky in breeding setups.

Sexing

Males grow larger (6–8 cm) with stronger coloration, extended fins, and a lyre-shaped caudal fin. Females remain smaller (4–5 cm), with shorter fins, and show bright yellow and bold contrast when brooding.

Breeding

Cave/crevice spawner with maternal care. Extremely soft, acidic water (pH 4.5–6.0, low conductivity) and slightly warmer temperatures (26–28 °C) encourage spawning. Females lay small adhesive eggs in tight crevices; hatching occurs in 3–5 days with free-swimming fry appearing after another 3–7 days. Start fry on infusoria or powdered fry food, then progress to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

Typically 4–6 years under stable, pristine blackwater conditions.

Origin

Found in blackwater igarapés and flooded forest zones of the Amazon basin (Peru, Brazil). Prefers soft, acidic, tannin-rich water with dense root tangles and leaf litter.

Short description

A delicate but rewarding dwarf cichlid that thrives in leaf-litter aquaria with soft, acidic water and abundant hiding places. Best for experienced aquarists who can provide stable blackwater conditions and enjoy observing maternal care behaviors.

Color Forms

Apistogramma bitaeniata exhibits striking regional variations. Well-known forms include:

• Shishita – vibrant red fins and golden body highlights.
• Tefé – broad lateral bands with intense blue and red patterning.
• Careiro – subtle coloration with elegant fin extensions.
• Other localities (e.g., Mamoré, Iquitos) show unique blends of iridescent green, blue, and red.

At-a-Glance (Care Box)

• Size: Males 6–8 cm; Females 4–5 cm
• Temperament: Harem-forming; females territorial when breeding
• pH: 4.5–6.5  |  GH: 0–4 °dGH
• Temp: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
• Tank: 70–100 l, footprint ≥ 60 cm, multiple caves
• Diet: Micro-pellets/flakes; live and frozen micro-prey
• Breeding: Cave spawner; maternal care; eggs hatch in 3–5 days
• Lifespan: 4–6 years

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.