Formally described as Apistogramma barlowi, this species is highly unique among Apistogramma. Unlike its cousins who are strict cave-spawners, the Maulbrüter is a facultative larvophilous mouthbrooder. They spawn in caves, but once the eggs hatch, the female (and occasionally the male) will gather the larvae in their mouths to protect them. They require soft, acidic blackwater conditions and sandy substrate.
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) At a Glance
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) Water Parameters
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Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are significantly larger with extended dorsal and anal fins, and feature an unusually robust head/mouth adapted for potential mouthbrooding. Highly intolerant of other males.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Apisto, Bull
Female
Females are much smaller. When breeding, they transform into a brilliant yellow with stark black territorial markings. She is the primary mouthbrooder and becomes fiercely defensive of her fry.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Apisto, Breeding Dress
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter), scientifically known as Apistogramma barlowi, 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 mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 4.5–6.8 and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) 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 Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter), a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom 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 Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) 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, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter).
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) 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 Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
How big does Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) get?
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) (Apistogramma barlowi) 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 Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) need?
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 4.5 and 6.8, and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) safe with shrimp?
No. Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) 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 Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
These plants pair well with Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter) 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 Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)
Barlow's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma Maulbrüter)
Apistogramma barlowi
A unique South American dwarf cichlid officially described as Apistogramma barlowi (2008), but widely known in the hobby by its trade name 'Maulbrüter' (German for mouthbrooder). Unlike most Apistogramma species which exclusively spawn in caves, this species is a facultative, biparental mouthbrooder. They thrive in soft, acidic water and require fine sandy substrates.
Apistogramma Resticulosa Mamor
Apistogramma cf. resticulosa Mamor
The Apistogramma cf. resticulosa 'Mamor' is a peaceful but territorial dwarf cichlid originating from the Mamoré River basin in South America. Known as the 'Thin-line Dwarf Cichlid', they require soft, sandy substrates for sifting and complex environments with driftwood and leaf litter to establish territories. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become highly aggressive during spawning and will hunt dwarf shrimp.
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
Apistogramma erythrura
The Marbled Apisto is a beautiful, diminutive South American dwarf cichlid. Like most Apistogramma species, they are bottom-dwelling micropredators that naturally sift through fine sand and leaf litter for food. They require soft, acidic water, gentle flow, and plenty of visual barriers like driftwood and caves to feel secure. As harem breeders, a typical setup includes one male and several females.
Apistogramma Resticulosa Marmor
Apistogramma cf. resticulosa "Marmor"
A striking, small South American dwarf cichlid originating from the Rio Mamoré basin. The 'Marmor' (marbled) variant is highly sought after for its metallic colors. They are peaceful community fish but become highly territorial when breeding. They require a soft, sandy substrate which they sift for food, and thrive in soft, acidic water with plenty of cover.
Apistogramma Mamoré
Apistogramma erythrura
Formally described as Apistogramma erythrura in 2008, this species was heavily traded for years under the name Apistogramma sp. 'Mamoré'. Native to the Mamoré River basin in Bolivia, they are highly sought after for the adult male's vibrant red caudal fin and elongated finnage. As benthophagous cichlids, they require a soft, sandy substrate to sift through, along with ample visual barriers like leaf litter and driftwood to feel secure.
Two-spot Apistogramma
Apistogramma rupununi
The Two-spot Apistogramma is a dwarf cichlid native to the Rupununi River basin in Guyana and the Branco River in Brazil. Like most Apistogramma, they are bottom-dwelling omnivores with a carnivorous tendency that thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with a sandy substrate and leaf litter. They are territorial but generally peaceful with top-dwelling dither fish.