Banded Apistogramma
Apistogramma bitaeniata
Banded Apistogramma is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Banded Apistogramma?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Beginner – Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom to middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 72–84°F (22–29°C)
- pH
- 4.5–7
- GH
- 0–5 dGH
- KH
- 2–12 dKH
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 6 years
Care requirements
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 6 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 22–29 °C, pH 4.5–7, GH 0–5 dGH, KH 2–12 dKH.
Temperament and compatibility
Banded Apistogramma is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.
Provide small live or frozen foods, ensuring timid individuals feed; protect brooding fish from competing benthic species.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Peru, Brazil.
Important notes
- Sex and breeding stage substantially change territoriality.
- Many colour morph/locality trade names are inconsistent; maintain scientific identity.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Banded Apistogramma get?
Banded Apistogramma reaches ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm).
What aquarium size does Banded Apistogramma need?
Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Is Banded Apistogramma peaceful?
Yes. Banded Apistogramma is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for Banded Apistogramma?
Keep it between 22 to 29 °C.
