How to Identify Three-striped Apistogramma

To identify Three-striped Apistogramma (Apistogramma trifasciata), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Males are typically more vibrant, displaying iridescent blue to turquoise bodies, often with yellow or orange highlights on the face and fins. They possess three distinct dark lateral stripes: a prominent mid-lateral stripe, a less defined stripe above it, and a ventral stripe. Females are generally duller, yellowish-brown, especially when not breeding, but can show yellow coloration when gravid or caring for fry. Both sexes have a dark spot on the caudal peduncle and often a dark opercular spot.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Three prominent lateral stripes (though the upper and lower can be faint), Iridescent blue body coloration in males, Elongated dorsal fin rays in mature males, sometimes forming a 'lyre-tail' appearance, Rounded caudal fin

Dorsal fin

Long, extending almost to the caudal fin, with the anterior rays often elongated in mature males. Typically 16-17 spines and 7-8 soft rays.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly truncate, sometimes with extended outer rays in males.

Pectoral fin

Small and clear.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are often elongated, especially in males, and can be tipped with blue or white.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Lateral Stripes

   Look for the three distinct, though sometimes faded, dark lateral stripes running along the body. The mid-lateral stripe is usually the most prominent.

2. 2

   Male Coloration

   Males exhibit striking iridescent blue to turquoise coloration, especially when displaying or breeding. Females are more subdued, often yellowish-brown.

3. 3

   Fin Shape (Males)

   Mature males often have elongated anterior dorsal fin rays and sometimes extended outer rays on the caudal fin, giving it a lyre-tail appearance.

4. 4

   Caudal Peduncle Spot

   A distinct dark spot is usually present on the caudal peduncle (the narrow part of the body before the tail fin).

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