Three-stripe Red Apistogramma

The 'Red' form of Apistogramma trifasciata is a captive-selected variant of the classic three-banded Apistogramma, developed by breeders to enhance and intensify the naturally warm fin coloration of wild A. trifasciata into a consistently vivid red-orange across all unpaired fins. The three horizontal body bands that give the species its name remain clear and bold against a yellow-green body.

A. trifasciata is native to the Paraguay-Paraná river system in Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina, making it one of the southernmost Apistogramma. This origin gives it notably broader water parameter tolerance than Amazonian forms, and the 'Red' variant retains this hardiness while offering spectacular color.

This is an excellent beginner Apistogramma — genuinely beautiful, hardy, easy to keep, and willing to spawn in a well-set-up community aquarium.

Water: Flexible — pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 23–27°C; adapts well to moderately hard water. Tank: 60 L with sand substrate, caves, and some plant coverage. Feeding: Pellets, flakes, and frozen invertebrates all accepted readily. Breeding: Cave spawner; one of the easiest apistos to breed; female is an attentive parent. Compatibility: Excellent community fish; peaceful with most small South American species.