A stunning South American dwarf cichlid from the upper Orinoco basin, formally described in 2011 as Apistogramma megaptera. They are named for the broad, dark band extending across their face. As a blackwater species, they demand warm, soft, highly acidic water to thrive. While generally peaceful in a community setting, they are fiercely territorial substrate-spawners.
Apistogramma Broad-banded At a Glance
Apistogramma Broad-banded Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma Broad-banded fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma Broad-banded needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma Broad-banded against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Apistogramma Broad-banded Water Parameters
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Apistogramma Broad-banded Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma Broad-banded Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are larger and heavily colored with yellow, orange, and blue hues. They develop massive, sail-like dorsal fins with extended lappets (giving them the 'megaptera' name). They are fiercely territorial toward other males and should be kept singly or as the sole male in a harem.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Breitbinden Male, Kurzlappen, Megaptera
Female
Females are significantly smaller and less ornate, typically displaying a warm yellow coloration. During breeding and brood-care, this yellow becomes intensely bright with stark black markings. While they tolerate the male, they will fiercely defend their cave and fry from all intruders, including other females.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Breeder Female, Yellow Female
Apistogramma Broad-banded Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma Broad-banded, scientifically known as Apistogramma breitbinden, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7.5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Apistogramma Broad-banded requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 80 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 5–6.5 and a general hardness of 1–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma Broad-banded is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Apistogramma Broad-banded Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma Broad-banded, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Apistogramma Broad-banded Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Apistogramma Broad-banded is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Apistogramma Broad-banded Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma Broad-banded.
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
Show 15 more tank sizes
Apistogramma Broad-banded Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Apistogramma Broad-banded will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Apistogramma Broad-banded
How big does Apistogramma Broad-banded get?
Apistogramma Broad-banded (Apistogramma breitbinden) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Apistogramma Broad-banded need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 80 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma Broad-banded. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma Broad-banded need?
Apistogramma Broad-banded thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–29°C, a pH between 5 and 6.5, and a general hardness of 1–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma Broad-banded peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma Broad-banded is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Apistogramma Broad-banded live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma Broad-banded can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Apistogramma Broad-banded safe with shrimp?
No. Apistogramma Broad-banded is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Apistogramma Broad-banded have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma Broad-banded benefits from sand (sifters), leaf litter/blackwater, and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Apistogramma Broad-banded
These plants pair well with Apistogramma Broad-banded based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Apistogramma Broad-banded
Banded Apistogramma
Apistogramma bitaeniata
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin. Known for their distinct dual lateral stripes, they are a bottom-dwelling species that requires soft, acidic water, sandy substrate, and complex environments with caves or leaf litter. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but highly territorial towards other bottom-dwellers, especially when breeding.
Hongsloi Apistogramma
Apistogramma hongsloi
A striking dwarf cichlid native to the Orinoco River basin in South America. They are popular for their vivid red, yellow, and blue colors. Best kept in blackwater setups with soft, acidic water and plenty of leaf litter. They form harems and require sand substrate, as they sift sand through their gills to find food.
Apistogramma Orange-tail
Apistogramma cf. eunotus "Orange-tail"
A beautiful South American dwarf cichlid known for its personality and stunning coloration. They are micropredators that naturally inhabit slow-moving tributaries with sandy bottoms and leaf litter. While generally peaceful towards non-cichlid tank mates (like tetras and pencilfish), they are highly territorial among their own kind and will readily hunt dwarf shrimp.
Apistogramma uaupesi
Apistogramma uaupesi
A stunning and rare dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater Rio Uaupés basin in South America. They are strictly blackwater fish, requiring very soft, acidic water and dim lighting to thrive. Males are famous for their spectacular, sail-like dorsal fins and lyretails. Like most Apistogramma, they are harem breeders and require complex environments with sightline breaks.
Apistogramma atahualpa
Apistogramma atahualpa
A striking dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater streams of the Peruvian Amazon (Rio Nanay basin). They require soft, acidic water and a sandy substrate, as they naturally sift sand for food. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become highly territorial during breeding. Leaf litter and driftwood are essential to mimic their natural habitat.
Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid)
Apistogramma borellii
A hardy and relatively peaceful dwarf cichlid native to the Paraguay River basin. Uniquely among Apistogramma, they tolerate cooler (sub-tropical) water temperatures. They are excellent for planted community tanks but require sandy substrates to sift and leaf litter or caves to establish territories.