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Threestripe dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma trifasciata) — Cichlidae

Threestripe dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma trifasciata
Family: Cichlidae

The Threestripe dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma trifasciata) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southern South America; calm, shaded parts of streams.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The threestripe dwarf cichlid is a small South American cichlid (Cichlidae) from the south of the continent. The species stays small; males are slender with elongated fin rays and a blue sheen, females are yellow with dark stripes. It inhabits quiet, shaded parts of streams and shoreline zones. It deposits the eggs on the ceiling of cavities; brood care is predominantly maternal, while the polygamous male mainly defends the territory. It feeds on small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threestripe dwarf cichlid?

The Threestripe dwarf cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Male with elongated fin rays; lays eggs on the ceiling of cavities, with predominantly maternal parental care.

Where does the Threestripe dwarf cichlid live?

The Threestripe dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern South America; calm, shaded parts of streams.

How big does the Threestripe dwarf cichlid get?

The Threestripe dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Threestripe dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Threestripe dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Threestripe dwarf cichlid edible?

The Threestripe dwarf cichlid is not usually eaten.

More photos

Threestripe dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma trifasciata) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) EmhartVuletich, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Threestripe dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma trifasciata) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) EmhartVuletich, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Threestripe dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma trifasciata) — Cichlidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Mazapura (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Threestripe dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma trifasciata) — Cichlidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Mazapura (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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All data

Identification

English name
Threestripe dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Apistogramma trifasciata
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold
Pattern
Horizontal stripes
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Southern South America; calm, shaded parts of streams.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Male with elongated fin rays; lays eggs on the ceiling of cavities, with predominantly maternal parental care. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Apistogramma

More from the family Cichlidae

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