Banded Dwarf Cichlid, scientifically known as Apistogramma bitaeniata, is a small freshwater fish from South America. It’s well-liked among aquarium enthusiasts.
This fish lives in dark water rivers in the Amazon Basin, specifically in Brazil and Peru.
Banded Dwarf Cichlid Interesting Facts
- Banded Dwarf Cichlids are small freshwater fish from the Amazon Basin in South America, specifically Brazil and Peru.
- In aquariums, these fish grow up to 1.8 inches (4.6 centimeters) long and females lay eggs on underwater cave roofs.
- They prefer a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0, water hardness between 2 to 6, and temperatures between 73.4°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C).
- Females lay about 40 to 60 eggs per batch and care for them until they hatch.
Banded Dwarf Cichlid Habitat
Banded Dwarf Cichlid is native to South America, specifically in the Amazon River basin. It’s found mainly in the black-water river systems of Peru and nearby Brazil.
Some locations include the Nanay, Mazán, and Tigre rivers in Peru; near Leticia in Colombia; and Igarapé Preto and Lago Tefé in Brazil.
Banded Dwarf Cichlid lives in freshwater environments close to the bottom (benthopelagic).
It prefers a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0 and water hardness (dH) between 2 to 6. The ideal temperature for this tropical fish is 73.4°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C).
| Water Temperature: | 73.4°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C) |
| Water pH: | 5.0 to 6.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 2 to 6 dH |
Banded Dwarf Cichlid Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.8 inches (4.6 centimeters)
Banded Dwarf Cichlid grows up to 1.8 inches (4.6 centimeters) long.
Banded Dwarf Cichlid Reproduction
Banded Dwarf Cichlids lay around 40 to 60 eggs. Like all Apistogramma species, they create caves to lay their eggs.
The female sticks the eggs to the cave’s ceiling and takes care of them.
Banded Dwarf Cichlid Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Apistogramma |
| Scientific Name: | Apistogramma bitaeniata |
| Also Known As: | Banded Dwarf Cichlid |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |