Difficult
Protopterus annectens
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
£62.99
A striking, compact South American dwarf cichlid with bold striping and engaging behavior, ideal for a peaceful planted aquarium. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 24-27C, pH 5.5-7.0.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Apistogramma sp.
Save when buying multiple fish. Each quantity is one fish; sex and pair formation are not guaranteed unless the selected variant explicitly states them.
A striking, compact South American dwarf cichlid with bold striping and engaging behavior, ideal for a peaceful planted aquarium. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 24-27C, pH 5.5-7.0.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
The Four Stripes Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma sp. four stripes) is an undescribed South American dwarf cichlid named for the bold striping that runs along its compact body. At roughly 3 cm it is one of the smaller members of a genus prized for big-fish behaviour in a tiny frame, making it a fascinating centrepiece for a dedicated soft-water set-up.
Like its relatives, it wants water on the soft and acidic side, kept warm and stable. Hold the pH between 5.5 and 7.0 with hardness down at 0-10 dGH, and keep the temperature steady in the 24-27°C range. A tank of at least 75 litres lets a male establish a small foraging territory without crowding tank mates, and tangled roots with shaded cover give the fish the security it needs to show its markings at their best.
It is a carnivore, so feed small frozen and live foods worked down to the lower levels where it spends its day patrolling the substrate. Temperament is best described as semi-aggressive: it is sociable enough in a thoughtfully arranged tank, but inclined to defend a chosen corner and may become territorial, so allow space and broken lines of sight. A maturing male holds his striping most vividly when he has a patch to defend, and a settled individual will spend hours methodically picking over the substrate for food. Introduce newcomers slowly so they establish a routine before the lights come up to full strength, and resist the urge to overstock; this is a fish that shows best in a calm, uncluttered set-up where it can hold its small territory in peace.
Good companions include small peaceful tetras, rasboras, otocinclus and small peaceful pencilfish. Avoid large aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping barbs, fast boisterous fish, large predators and other territorial bottom-dwellers in cramped tanks, since competition tends to bring out its feistier side. Each Four Stripes Dwarf Cichlid is sent with a licensed live-animal courier and covered by our live arrival guarantee, so it arrives safely anywhere in the UK.
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
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