Two Banded Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma psammophila
Two Banded Dwarf Cichlid is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Two Banded Dwarf Cichlid?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 27.6" (≥ 70 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom to middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 73–81°F (23–27°C)
- pH
- 5–7
- GH
- 2–10 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 6 years
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 6 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 27.6" (≥ 70 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 5–7, GH 2–10 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Two Banded Dwarf Cichlid 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
As an omnivore, Two Banded Dwarf Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Small insect/invertebrate foods with frozen and prepared supplements.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 27.6" (≥ 70 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: Colombia, Venezuela.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Two Banded Dwarf Cichlid get?
Two Banded Dwarf Cichlid reaches ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm).
What aquarium size does Two Banded Dwarf Cichlid need?
Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 27.6" (≥ 70 cm) minimum length.
Is Two Banded Dwarf Cichlid peaceful?
Yes. Two Banded Dwarf Cichlid 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 Two Banded Dwarf Cichlid?
Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.