English: Meet the two-striped cichlid (Apistogramma bitaeniata)

This small, two-striped cichlid (Apistogramma bitaeniata) has only been known in our aquariums since 1961. This is quite a long time for it to have become sufficiently widespread among aquarists. However, it is still very rarely seen in aquarium shops. Older aquarists know it under its previous names, such as A. klausewitzi, A. kleei, A. pertensae var. bitaeniata. It inhabits the waters of Peru and Brazil, in well-known rivers such as the Rio Nanay, Rio Napo, Rio Ampiyacu, Rio Momón, Rio Tigre, Rio Manacapuru, and many others.

According to the numerical codes by which apistogrammas are now designated, this is A211 (Nanay), A212 (Yavari), A213 (Tefe), A214 (Manacapuru), A215 (the area of Brazil between Tefe and Tapajos), and A216 (Porto Velho).

Two-striped Cichlid (Apistogramma bitaeniata)

As with other South American cichlids of the genus Apistogramma, the sexes are quite easily distinguishable by the fact that females are considerably smaller, only reaching 3-4 cm. Males are larger with more elongated fins, more brightly colored, and reach a size of up to 6 cm.

Aquarium setup

For breeding, we will set up an aquarium with a volume of at least 50 liters, where we will place one male and 3-4 females. They can also be kept in a community aquarium with peaceful and smaller fish, preferably tetras.
A sufficient number of hiding places is necessary, ideally from flowerpots cut in half, coconut shells, ceramic tubes, roots, or stones. Plants are also suitable, as cichlids do not damage them. Live food is ideal, or possibly frozen food.
Today's offer of some high-quality artificial feeds is sufficient for a short and necessary period of time until we can get live food again. Brine shrimp nauplii can always be available at home in case we don't have better quality food at the moment.

Breeding

Breeding is not entirely easy. Soft water, ideally up to 2-3°dGH, with a temperature above 25 °C, pH between 5-6, and the addition of peat. For spawning, we then acquire a cave, on the ceiling of which the female lays around 40-50 eggs, usually even less. She takes care not only of the eggs but also of the hatched fry. Further rearing after the fry hatch is similar to that of other members of the genus Apistogramma.

Photographs (Dr. Vladko Bydžovský):

1. In Brazil, two-striped cichlids have more yellow and red coloring.
2. In catches from Peru, two-striped cichlids are more bluish.
3. Small to medium-sized aquariums for cichlids should have both enough plants and enough other hiding places. Ideal companions are small tetras.
4. The beginning of spawning, the fish impress each other.
5. Disagreements sometimes occur during spawning.
6. After the eggs are fertilized, the male disappears from the hiding place, and the female carefully guards the clutch.
7. Harmless enemies during cichlid spawns can be endlers (Poecilia wingei). They do not eat the cichlids' eggs or fry, and their presence reduces mutual fights between the pair.