Barlow’s Apistogramma

Apistogramma barlowi

Barlow’s Apistogramma is a middle-to-top swimmer. Best kept as a pair.

Semi-AggressiveMiddle to top swimmerBest kept as a pairIntermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm)
Aquarium size
14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level
Intermediate
Temperament
Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone
Middle to top swimmer
Temperature
72–84°F (22–29°C)
pH
4.5–7
GH
2–12 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Best kept as a pair

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 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 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Barlow’s Apistogramma needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Best kept as a pair.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Best kept as a pair.

Feeding

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

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
  • Best kept as a pair.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Peru.

Similar fish profiles

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

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) Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–86°F (23–30°C) 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)

FAQ

How large does Barlow’s Apistogramma get?

Barlow’s Apistogramma reaches ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Barlow’s Apistogramma need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Barlow’s Apistogramma peaceful?

Barlow’s Apistogramma needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Barlow’s Apistogramma?

Keep it between 22 to 29 °C.

Should Barlow’s Apistogramma be kept alone or in a group?

Barlow’s Apistogramma: Best kept as a pair.

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