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.
Banded Apistogramma At a Glance
Banded Apistogramma Tank Requirements
Will Banded Apistogramma fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Banded Apistogramma needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Banded Apistogramma against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Banded Apistogramma Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Banded Apistogramma Temperament & Compatibility
Banded Apistogramma Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are larger and significantly more colorful, developing elongated dorsal fins and a striking lyretail. They patrol a large territory and are completely intolerant of other males of their species in standard-sized tanks.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Male Apisto, Show Male, Lyretail
Female
Females are much smaller, shorter-finned, and typically drabber (greyish-brown) until breeding, when they turn a brilliant, vivid yellow with bold black markings. Females claim a small cave territory and can be fiercely aggressive when guarding fry.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Apisto, Yellow Apisto, Breeder Female
Banded Apistogramma Care Guide Summary
The Banded Apistogramma, scientifically known as Apistogramma bitaeniata, 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 zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Banded Apistogramma 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 29°C, with a pH range of 4.5–6.5 and a general hardness of 0–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Banded Apistogramma 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.
Banded Apistogramma Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Banded Apistogramma, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise 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, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Banded Apistogramma Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Banded Apistogramma is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, 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 zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Banded Apistogramma Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Banded Apistogramma.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About Banded Apistogramma
How big does Banded Apistogramma get?
Banded Apistogramma (Apistogramma bitaeniata) 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 Banded Apistogramma need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Banded Apistogramma. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Banded Apistogramma need?
Banded Apistogramma thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–29°C, a pH between 4.5 and 6.5, and a general hardness of 0–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Banded Apistogramma peaceful or aggressive?
Banded Apistogramma 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 Banded Apistogramma live alone?
Yes, Banded Apistogramma can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Banded Apistogramma have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Banded Apistogramma benefits from sand (sifters), leaf litter/blackwater, driftwood (digestion/hiding), and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Banded Apistogramma
These plants pair well with Banded Apistogramma 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
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Banded Apistogramma
Apistogramma Broad-banded
Apistogramma breitbinden
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.
Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma trifasciata
A stunning dwarf cichlid native to the Guaporé and Paraguay river basins in South America. They are renowned for their striking metallic blue sheen and the male's spectacular sail-like dorsal fin. As peaceful micropredators, they are excellent for planted community tanks, but require soft, acidic water, stable parameters, and a fine sand substrate to sift through.
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.
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.
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.
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.