Apistogramma Bitaeniata

Family: Cichlidae

Distribution: Apistogramma Bitaeniata are found hiding in amongst the leaf litter of slow to medium flowing rivers in South America, they are a bottom dwelling cichlids which are typically found in ‘black water’.

pH: 5 – 6.5

Temperature: 26°C – 32°C

Hardness: O dH – 6 dH

Description: A small and generally peaceful dwarf cichlids which prefers to live in harems. The Males have been known to grow to 8cm and the females to 5cm, These are one of the easiest fish to tell males and females apart, Males are bigger, have longer more pointed dorsal, tail, anal and pectoral fins and typically have very colourful fins, with a silvery body which has a solid black line which runs horizontally. Females are normally smaller, with shorter fins and have a bright yellow body with broken horizontal black lines.

Diet: Apistogramma Bitaeniata have a forward pointing mouth and therefore prefer to eat slow sinking food or food from the bottom. They can be a fussy omnivore, but will eat most dried , frozen or preferably live foods.

Breeding: Apistogramma Bitaeniata are a cave spawning cichlid which will protect their offspring with a passion shown by few other fish. The minimum size aquarium you should attempt to breed them in is a 15ltr tank, although they may lay eggs in a smaller space normally they will eat the eggs. Apistogramma Bitaeniata have a much larger spawn than most Apisto’s (100+)

Set up a cave which is only just big enough for the pair of Apistogramma Bitaeniata to fit in but small enough that they feel secluded, they can be quite fussy when it comes to finding a place to breed, the main considerations are- the pair need to be well fed, water quality good and the pair are not stressed out by humans or other fish.

Tip: Provide plenty of leaf-litter, Feed live black worms for a week and then do a 30% cold water change, this will almost guarantee them to spawn.

Comments: Apistogramma’s are one of the hidden jewels of the aquarium, they have a big personality, they show love in looking after their young and they come in many brilliant colours.

Articles/Books:

Dwarf Cichlids (American Cichlids)
Aqualog Extra: The Latest Apistogramma
South America Cichlids: Keeping & Breeding Them in Captivity (Re-615)

Recommended Compatible Species: Apistogramma are a great community species and therefore live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

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