Three-Striped Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma trifasciata

Freshwater South America Usually captive bred

A striking dwarf cichlid noted for high dorsal fin rays and shimmering powder-blue coloration on males. They establish small territories around caves, coconuts, or dense leaf litter. Soft, warm, acidic water and fine sand substrates are best suited to their bottom-sifting habits.

4.5 cm adult length, drawn to scale. slim body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

Item	Value	Because
Adult length	4.5 cm	Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank	60 L, at least 60 cm long estimated	The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish	15 L estimated	What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load	Class 2 of 5 estimated	How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature	24 to 29 C	Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH	5.5 to 7	Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness	GH 1 to 8, KH 0 to 4	Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow	Low	Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light	Dim	Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size	Single fish is fine	Not a schooling species.
Temperament	Semi-aggressive	Territorial: strong.
Swims in	Near the bottom	Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan	About 4 years	A fish is a long commitment.
Experience	Some experience helps	A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Three-Striped Dwarf Cichlid is an carnivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it plenty of cover.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.