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Apistogramma Trifasciata Pair

Apistogramma Trifasciata Pair

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Apistogramma trifasciata


Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical
to the image provided





































Synonyms



Apistogramma maciliense, A. trifasciatum
haraldschultzi, A. t. maciliense, A. t. trifasciatum, Biotodoma trifasciatus,
Heterogramma trifasciatum maciliense



Distribution



Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.



Sexual Dimorphism



Males grow larger, are more colourful, and
develop elongated fin rays.



Maximum Size



6cm (2.4")



Temperature



23-28 deg C (73-82 deg F)



Water Parameters



Soft and acidic. pH: 5.5-6.5, dH: up to 8
degrees.



Compatibility



Softwater community



Lighting



Dim



 


Care


 


In the wild, Apistogramma trifasciata inhabit slow-moving
shallow creeks and tributaries of the Rio Guapor? in the southern Amazon basin,
and are also found further south in the Rio Paraguay and the middle Rio Paran?
drainage. In many places the substrate is composed of leaf litter. The home
aquarium should contain soft, acidic water and be biologically mature before
these fishes are added. Ideally there will be dark substrate and dense
planting, with plenty of hiding places/territories amongst rocks, driftwood,
coconut shells etc. Floating plant cover could be used to help diffuse the
light. Peat filtration and the addition of dried Indian Almond Leaves
(Terminalia catappa) would be beneficial to help create the favoured
conditions, and be aware that the tank should have a tight fitting cover, as
these fish can jump. Filtration should be efficient, but water movement gentle,
and frequent partial water changes should be carried out in order to keep
nitrate at a minimum. A. trifasciata are generally peaceful, but can become
rather territorial when breeding. Keep either a single pair, or in larger
aquaria, one male with several females (which will form a harem). The females
will seek out individual territories, hence the importance of many visual
barriers within the tank. Good tankmates include Corydoras catfish,
hatchetfish, pencilfish, small tetras, and suckermouth catfish. Like many of
the Apistogramma species, A. trifasciata will not tolerate an elevated nitrate
level. Regular partial water changes are an absolute must for their continued
wellbeing. May also be seen on sale as Three Striped Dwarf Cichlid. Two colour
variants of this species are available, 'blue' and 'red'.


 


Feeding


 


Flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as bloodworm,
white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp and daphnia.


 


Breeding


 


Successful breeding can be achieved in the home aquarium,
although it is moderately difficult. The water should be very soft and acidic,
and the temperature raised to the top end of their preferred range. Ideally,
each female fish will be provided with a suitable spawning site in the form of
a cave or flower pot on its side. Up to 100 eggs will be laid on the ceiling of
the cave or pot, and these will be guarded by the female. The male fish will
guard the general harem territory. The eggs should hatch after 2 to 4 days,
depending on water temperature. The female continues guarding the wrigglers,
and after a further few days, will lead the fry out of the cave. She will be
very pugnacious at this point, fending off any would-be predators. The fry will
require frequent small feeds with appropriately sized foodstuffs at this point,
such as baby brineshrimp. If the spawning has occurred in a general community
tank, it is a good idea to feed the other fish their food at the opposite end
of the aquarium at the same time, to avoid undue stress to the female, who will
be desperately trying to guard her young. Sometimes the female will take the
fry up in her mouth and move them to another area of the tank.