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Three-stripe dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma trifasciata

Also known as Three-striped Apisto

FreshwaterFish

Three-stripe dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma trifasciata)
Imperial Tropicals · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
68–77°F
20–25°C
pH
5.5–7.0
Adult size
2.2 in
5.5 cm
Minimum tank
20 gal
75 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Cave spawner · Hard
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina

Overview

The three-stripe dwarf cichlid is a tiny, mostly peaceful Apistogramma for a planted community tank. It is a fish for a keeper past the beginner stage.

Did you know

Male three-stripe dwarf cichlids raise the first few rays of the dorsal fin into tall, sail-like spines and flare them during display. Along with long, trailing fins, these spines give a mature male a size and presence far beyond his small body.

Caring for the three-stripe dwarf cichlid

A tank of at least 20 gal (75 L) suits a harem of three-stripe dwarf cichlids, with room for separate territories. Provide dense cover with caves, coconut shells, leaf litter, driftwood and planting over a sandy floor, so the females can space out. Keep the lighting subdued.

It does best at only 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C), rather than in constant heat. The water should be soft to moderately soft, at a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Feed small live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and micro worm, since many refuse dry food at first.

Keep one male with two or three females, each holding her own small cave and territory. It is calm in a community for the most part. A female guarding fry becomes fierce, though, and will see off much larger fish near her cave. Small, peaceful upper-water dither fish such as pencilfish or small tetras help it feel secure and coax it into the open.

Males grow larger than females and are colorful, with long, flowing fins. It is a cave spawner, and the female lays and guards her eggs inside a small cave. The male holds the surrounding territory, often over several females. Breeding is hard and needs soft, acidic water and a settled, well-structured tank.

Good to know

The three-stripe dwarf cichlid, Apistogramma trifasciata, is one of the smaller dwarf members of the cichlid family, Cichlidae. It is also known as the three-striped Apisto.

In the wild

The three-stripe dwarf cichlid comes from the Paraguay and Parana basins, across southern Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. The range is subtropical, with a cooler winter, and the fish keeps to shaded, sheltered margins.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The three-stripe dwarf cichlid is a mostly peaceful, social species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a three-stripe dwarf cichlid need?

A three-stripe dwarf cichlid needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a three-stripe dwarf cichlid need?

A three-stripe dwarf cichlid is comfortable at 68–77°F (20–25°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.0.

What does a three-stripe dwarf cichlid eat?

A three-stripe dwarf cichlid eats small live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and micro worm. Many refuse dry food at first.

How big does a three-stripe dwarf cichlid get?

An adult three-stripe dwarf cichlid reaches about 2.2 in (5.5 cm).

How can you tell a male three-stripe dwarf cichlid from a female?

Males grow larger than females and are colorful, with long, flowing fins.

How does a three-stripe dwarf cichlid breed?

Three-stripe dwarf cichlids are cave spawners, and the female guards her eggs inside a small cave. Breeding them is hard and needs soft, acidic water and a settled tank.

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