
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Apistogramma trifasciata
A dwarf cichlid named for the three dark stripes along its flanks. Males extend the front of the dorsal and the pelvic fins into long filaments. It is usually kept as a harem of one male and several females, and prefers cooler water.
Apistogramma trifasciata ranges from the Guapore drainage of the Amazon basin through the Paraguay drainage in Brazil and Paraguay to the middle Parana in Argentina. Males reach about 5.5cm standard length and females about 4cm; males are larger and more colourful, with the front of the dorsal and the pelvic fins drawn out into filaments. Three dark stripes along the flanks give the species its name. Seriously Fish gives 20-25C, pH 5.0-7.0 and 1-10 dGH, in a tank from 45x30cm, about 41 litres. Territorial males normally tolerate the presence of several females, so a harem of one male and a few females is the usual arrangement. It feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates, so offer live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia, Moina and bloodworm regularly. It is a substrate spawner: depending on temperature the eggs hatch in 36-72 hours and the fry swim free a few days later, the female tending them while the male holds the territory.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid lives 3-5 years.
The Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid grows to Males about 5.5cm, females about 4cm standard length.
The ideal temperature for the Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid is 20〜25℃.
Origin
South America: Guapore drainage of the Amazon basin, Paraguay drainage of the Parana basin, and the middle Parana in Argentina
Sources: Seriously Fish: Apistogramma trifasciata / FishBase: Apistogramma trifasciata
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 trifasciata Eigenmann & Kennedy, 1903
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.
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Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
Males about 5.5cm, females about 4cm standard length
Temperature
20〜25℃
Live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia, Moina and bloodworm
From 45x30cm, about 41 litres. If keeping a harem, provide one cave per female and break up lines of sight with driftwood and leaf litter.
20-25C, pH 5.0-7.0 and 1-10 dGH. It prefers cooler water than most relatives, so watch for overheating in summer.
Captive-raised fish suit community tanks, while wild specimens are best alone or with small dither fishes. Males hold territory but normally tolerate several females.
Largely carnivorous on benthic invertebrates. Offer live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia, Moina and chironomid larvae regularly.
A substrate spawner. Depending on temperature eggs hatch in 36-72 hours and fry are free-swimming a few days later; the female tends the brood while the male defends the territory.
The male's filamentous fins are vulnerable to strong flow and to nipping tank mates. Do not mix with other Apistogramma.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid is 20〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid typically reaches Males about 5.5cm, females about 4cm standard length as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid feeds on: Live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia, Moina and bloodworm. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Three-striped 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