Remarks: The Three-Striped Apisto (Apistogramma trifasciata) is sexually dimorphic. Males are blue with yellow faces and red trim on the fins, and they have longer, pointed fins and with several rays extended in the dorsal fin. Females will turn bright yellow with black fins when in breeding dress. Apistogramma trifasciata is fairly peaceful and will work well as a pair in a 20 gallon tank. A sandy substrate is necessary due to their earth-eating habits. The tank should be furnished with several caves or nooks to protect and spawn in. Cichlid caves, overturned flower pots, and leaf litter work well. Breeding is achieved by feeding live baby brine shrimp to an adult pair and providing a proper tank setup. Fry are guarded by one or both parents for several weeks. Dither fish such as small tetras and livebearers can be used to provide parents with targets to chase. Scientific Name: Apistogramma trifasciata Common Name: Three-Striped Apisto Max Size: 2" pH: 5.0-7.0 Hardness: Soft Temperature: 70-82° Aggressiveness: Peaceful Region of Origin: South America Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred Diet: Small flake or pellet, small frozen or live foods Compatibility: Schooling fish, plecos, small catfish, livebearers, rainbowfish. Tank Mate Options: Cardinal Tetra Super Red Bushynose Pleco Phoenix Tetra
