Three Striped Apistogramma

Apistogramma trifasciata

Three Striped Apistogramma is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.

Semi-AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 68–77°F (20–25°C)
pH: 5–7
GH: 2–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–25 °C, pH 5–7, GH 2–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Three Striped Apistogramma needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

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

As an omnivore, Three Striped 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 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina.

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) 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) 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) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–86°F (23–30°C)

FAQ

How large does Three Striped Apistogramma get?

Three Striped Apistogramma reaches ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Three Striped Apistogramma need?

Use an aquarium of at least 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Three Striped Apistogramma peaceful?

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

What temperature is suitable for Three Striped Apistogramma?

Keep it between 20 to 25 °C.