
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Apistogramma bitaeniata
A dwarf cichlid restricted to blackwater systems in Peru and adjacent Brazil. Males have extended caudal lobes and two dark lines run along the flanks. It prefers soft acidic water, and captive-bred stock can go in a community tank.
Apistogramma bitaeniata is restricted to blackwater rivers of Peru and adjacent Brazil within the Amazon basin. Males reach about 7.5cm standard length and females about 5.5cm, males being larger, more colourful and longer-finned. The name means 'two-banded' and refers to the two dark lines along the flanks. Seriously Fish gives 22-29C, pH 4.5-7.0 and 0-5 dGH, with a pair kept in 60x30cm, about 54 litres. Because it comes from blackwater, driftwood and leaf litter that keep the water soft help it settle. It feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates, so live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm form the basis of the diet. It is a substrate spawner laying in crevices or cavities; the female guards eggs and fry, and in small tanks the male may need removing. Captive-raised fish suit community tanks, while wild specimens are better alone or with small dither fishes.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Banded Dwarf Cichlid lives 3-5 years.
The Banded Dwarf Cichlid grows to Males about 7.5cm, females about 5.5cm standard length.
The ideal temperature for the Banded Dwarf Cichlid is 22〜29℃.
Origin
South America: Amazon basin, restricted to Peruvian and adjacent Brazilian blackwater systems
Lifespan
Sources: Seriously Fish: Apistogramma bitaeniata / FishBase: Apistogramma bitaeniata
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Apistogramma bitaeniata Pellegrin, 1936
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
3-5 years
Size
Males about 7.5cm, females about 5.5cm standard length
Temperature
22〜29℃
Live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm, plus prepared foods
A pair can be kept from 60x30cm, about 54 litres, with caves and spawning sites made from driftwood, leaf litter and pipes.
22-29C, pH 4.5-7.0 and 0-5 dGH. Coming from blackwater, it does best where driftwood and leaf litter keep the water soft and slightly acidic.
Captive-raised fish suit community tanks. Wild specimens are best alone or with small dither fishes, and should not be mixed with other Apistogramma.
Largely carnivorous on benthic invertebrates. Base the diet on live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia and chironomid larvae, with dried foods alongside.
A substrate spawner laying in crevices or cavities. The female guards eggs and fry and becomes aggressive afterwards, so the male may need removing in smaller tanks.
Locality populations are traded under names such as 'Tefe'. Check the labelling so that different localities are not crossed.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Banded Dwarf Cichlid is 22〜29℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Banded Dwarf Cichlid is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Banded Dwarf Cichlid typically reaches Males about 7.5cm, females about 5.5cm standard length as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Banded Dwarf Cichlid feeds on: Live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm, plus prepared foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Banded Dwarf Cichlid varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026