Banded Apistogramma

Apistogramma bitaeniata

Banded Apistogramma is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Best kept as a pair.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBest kept as a pairBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
Aquarium size
18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature
73–86°F (23–30°C)
pH
4.5–7
GH
2–8 dGH
KH
2–12 dKH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 6 years
Group behavior
Best kept as a pair

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 6 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–30 °C, pH 4.5–7, GH 2–8 dGH, KH 2–12 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Banded Apistogramma is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Best kept as a pair.

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. Best kept as a pair.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Banded Apistogramma should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Best kept as a pair.
  • Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Peru, Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma eunotus Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Agassiz’s Apistogramma Apistogramma agassizii Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Barlow’s Apistogramma Apistogramma barlowi Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Banded Apistogramma get?

Banded Apistogramma reaches ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm).

What aquarium size does Banded Apistogramma need?

Use an aquarium of at least 18 US gal (70 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 23 to 30 °C.

Should Banded Apistogramma be kept alone or in a group?

Banded Apistogramma: Best kept as a pair.

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