Two-stripe Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma bitaeniata)
| Two-stripe Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma bitaeniata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Two-stripe Dwarf Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Apistogramma bitaeniata |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Brazil, Peru |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.0-6.0 |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 2-3 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | ♀ 5 cm, ♂ 7 cm |
| Temperature | 23-25 °C |
| Hardness | 0-5 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | ♀ 2", ♂ 2.8" |
| Temperature | 73-77 °F |
| Hardness | 0-89 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the two-striped dwarf cichlids are small tributaries of the Rio Nanay, Rio Mazan and Rio Napo in the upper reaches of the Amazon in Peru, as well as the Rio Tefe and Igarape Preto in Brazil. They live there in shallow, plant-rich riparian zones of streams and small bodies of water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense planting, with many hiding places (stones, roots, caves), and offer free swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (sea almond leaves) and some subdued light (floating plants) are ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed mainly on small crustaceans and insect larvae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food for cichlids (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as daphnia, artemia, mysis, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). 
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should be kept in a harem, one male with several females. They are territorial, so keeping multiple harems is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be kept well with other calm fish, but will consistently defend their territory.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male is larger, more colorful and has much longer, pointed fins. Females are usually silvery-yellowish in color.
Reproduction and breeding
They spawn in caves (cave breeders). The female performs the brood care, while the male defends the territory. After 3-5 days the fry hatch, which are then housed and guarded by the female in a bottom pit until they swim freely after 4-5 days.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, where the fry are easy prey.
Important
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and is a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF