Barlow’s Apistogramma
Apistogramma barlowi
Barlow’s Apistogramma is a middle-to-top swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Barlow’s Apistogramma?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
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
- 4.5–6.5
- GH
- 1–5 dGH
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
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 4.5–6.5, GH 1–5 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Barlow’s Apistogramma needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.
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.
Feeding
Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.
Use appropriately sized live/frozen foods and monitor feeding when breeding fish are territorial.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Peru.
Important notes
- Males grow larger than females; existing statement saying females larger is contradicted.
- Facultative mouthbrooding and brood aggression require conditional pair management.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
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.
