Three-Stripe Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma trifasciata
The magnificent 'Three-Stripe Dwarf Cichlid' (4-5 cm). An aquariology gem of temperate South America, it shares with the A. borellii the need for cool waters (or even unheated winter lethargy), proving to be a terrible guest for classic tropical aquariums at 28°C. This dwarf is distinguished by its tiny and elegant body, crossed by the iconic three black bands, and by the astounding male dorsal sail (which when erect exceeds the height of the fish itself) combined with disproportionately long first rays. Undisputed peaceful and tolerant king of the small sub-tropical community aquarium.
Température de l’eau
20 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
6 - 7.5
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Fond et milieu
Taille adulte
5,5 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 100 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
GH
1 - 10 dGH
KH
1 - 5 dKH
TDS
25 - 200 ppm
Conductivité
39 - 313 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Originating from the Guaporé, Paraguay and Middle Paraná river basins (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina). Thrives in flooded grasslands, slow streams and margins covered by vegetation or water lilies.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Three-stripe Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma trifasciata). Tiny size even for a dwarf cichlid. The name derives from the 3 dark lateral markings on the body. Males boast the first three rays of the dorsal fin extraordinarily prolonged and pointed (crested sail).
Social Behavior: Due to its small size, it is inherently shy and reserved. Dominant males defend multi-female territories exhibiting wonderful displays, but flee instantly if intimidated by more imposing fish.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Sparkling males: metallic ice blue (Electric Blue) body color, broken by dark bands. Yellow and red fins. Females are petite and poorly colored out of season, becoming a dazzling "warning yellow" in the reproductive phase.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Ideal for a densely planted aquarium (60-80 cm / 24-32 inches). Create a "forest" of stem plants and provide countless miniature refuges (very narrow clay pots or coconuts) where the fish feel protected. Very gentle sponge filter.
Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator. The tiny size requires appropriate food: brine shrimp nauplii, microworms, and cyclops are perfect. They struggle to swallow large bloodworms and disdain hardened or coarse pellets.
Water Quality: Being distributed also in the south, it easily tolerates cool winter temperatures (20-22°C / 68-72°F) in unheated tanks. A temperature too high (28+°C / 82+°F) for long periods causes metabolic stress. Soft water but with moderate pH (6.0-7.0).
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Absolutely incompatible with large or aggressive Cichlids (would be injured or killed). Keep with small Endlers, Boraras, or peaceful surface Tetras. Excellent companion for Otocinclus; to be avoided with hyperactive Corydoras.
Aquarium Breeding: Lays on hidden surfaces or cave roofs (Spawners). The mother strenuously defends a tiny territory around the den, repelling the male by headbutting. Parents often die if they reproduce in waters that are too hard.
Risks and Diseases: Easy prey to food intimidation: if paired with "gluttonous" fish (like Barbs), it will remain holed up out of fear, wasting away in a few weeks. Violent filtration in the tank deprives them of safety and rest.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Originating from the Guaporé, Paraguay and Middle Paraná river basins (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina). Thrives in flooded grasslands, slow streams and margins covered by vegetation or water lilies.
Origine
Amérique du Sud hors AmazonieAmérique du Nord
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- This dwarf cichlid is generally peaceful and well-behaved, making it an excellent candidate for community aquariums. However, they exhibit territorial behavior, which intensifies significantly during the spawning season when they will aggressively defend their chosen caves. Males can also be aggressive toward each other and toward non-receptive females if space is insufficient. Providing plenty of visual barriers like rocks and driftwood will mitigate territorial disputes.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- Apistogramma trifasciata is primarily carnivorous, requiring a varied diet rich in proteins to maintain health and color. In captivity, they thrive on live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae. They will also accept high-quality sinking micro-pellets and flakes designed for cichlids once acclimated. Offering a diverse menu prevents nutritional deficiencies and stimulates natural foraging behaviors.
- Espérance de vie
- 3-5 years
- Taille adulte
- 5.5 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Harem
- In the aquarium, this species is best kept in a harem arrangement consisting of one male and two or more females. Males are highly territorial and polygamous, and keeping multiple females helps disperse the male's breeding pressure. If kept in smaller tanks, a single compatible pair (1:1 ratio) can be successful, provided there are enough visual barriers. Keeping multiple males is only recommended in very large tanks with distinct territorial boundaries.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- It is recommended to feed Apistogramma trifasciata small portions once or twice daily. Providing food that can be consumed within a few minutes ensures they remain healthy without polluting the water. Baby brine shrimp or microworms are excellent additions, especially for conditioning breeding pairs. Fasting them for one day a week can also help clear their digestive tracts and maintain overall vigor.
- Charge biologique
- Low
- Apistogramma trifasciata has a relatively low biological waste footprint due to its small adult size. However, like most dwarf cichlids, it is highly sensitive to organic pollutants, ammonia, and accumulating nitrates. A robust filtration system, preferably with low flow, combined with weekly partial water changes is essential to maintain the pristine water quality they require. Overfeeding should be avoided to prevent sudden spikes in waste levels that could compromise their health.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- This species naturally inhabits slow-moving or stagnant waters, such as forest creeks and floodplains, and therefore prefers weak water flow in the aquarium. Strong currents can stress these small fish, forcing them to expend excessive energy swimming. Sponge filters or air-driven filtration systems are ideal, as they provide adequate biological filtration without creating disruptive water movement. Gentle water movement also facilitates successful spawning and makes it easier for fry to swim.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- Although they are bottom-dwellers, Apistogramma trifasciata poses a moderate risk of jumping, especially when startled, stressed, or chased during breeding activities. It is highly recommended to secure the aquarium with a tight-fitting lid or cover slides to prevent accidental escapes. Providing ample hiding spots like driftwood, dense plants, and caves helps them feel secure, reducing the likelihood of startle-induced jumping.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Apistogramma trifasciata is moderately challenging but highly rewarding. They are cave spawners, with the female choosing a secluded spot to lay her eggs and subsequently taking full responsibility for guarding the brood. To trigger spawning, the water should be soft, acidic (pH 5.5–6.0), and slightly warmed to around 28°C. Once the fry hatch, they can be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp nauplii under the watchful eye of the protective mother.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- With caution
- They are highly compatible with small, peaceful dither fish such as tetras, pencilfish, and hatchetfish, which occupy the upper water columns and help reduce shyness. Peaceful bottom-dwellers like Otocinclus catfish also make excellent tank mates. However, keeping them with highly active or aggressive bottom-dwellers like large Corydoras should be avoided in smaller setups, as cichlids may attack them while guarding breeding territories. Avoid housing them with larger, aggressive cichlids that could easily prey on them.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle/Bottom
- Apistogramma trifasciata primarily occupies the bottom and lower-middle zones of the aquarium. They spend most of their time hovering near the substrate, exploring leaf litter, caves, and dense plantings. Feeding also occurs mainly near the bottom, although they will occasionally venture higher to intercept food. Designing the aquascape with low-profile caves and sandy substrate is crucial to support their natural bottom-dwelling behavior.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3,3 ± 0,4 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.0182, b = 2.99
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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