Species profile
Apistogramma Trifasciata
Apistogramma trifasciata
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
4–6 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Cooler than some Amazonian Apistogramma and suitable for a modest seasonal drop. Footprint and cave spacing matter more than tank height.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–26 °C
pH
5–7
GH
1–10 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 2
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1
Dwarf cichlid whose territoriality rises sharply around spawning. Give females multiple caves and broken sight-lines; very small shrimp and fry are prey.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
4–6 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Apistogramma trifasciata
Alternative names
Three-striped Apistogramma, Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid
Native range
Paraguay and middle Paraná river systems in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.
Natural habitat
Shallow slow tributaries and marginal zones with leaf litter, roots, plants and soft to moderately soft water.
Diet & feeding
Benthic micropredator taking insect larvae, worms and crustaceans; use quality small cichlid foods plus frozen/live invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are larger, more colourful and have more extended fins; females are smaller and turn bright yellow/black in brood care.
Breeding
Cave/substrate spawner. The female guards eggs and fry intensely while the male defends a wider territory.