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FREE SHIPPING ON ACCESSORIES & PLANTS AFTER $69.99 & LIVE FISH AFTER $199.99

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FULLY QUARANTINED FISH WITH A 2 WEEK GUARANTEE

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Is light-hearted fun, information, and different views on all things aquarium and tropical fish tank-related

Tips and tricks that we have learned over the years of keeping tropical fish.

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Apistogramma bitaeniata

Imported 

Two-Stripped Apisto

Apistogramma bitaeniata

 

Native Location: Slow moving tributaries of the Amazon river in Peru, Brazil & Colombia

Climate: Tropical

Maximum Size: Males reach 7.5cm & females reach 5.5cm

Temperament: Community with care

Diet: Carnivorous

Breeding: Moderate

Temperature Range: 22-29℃ (71.6-84.2℉)

Preferred pH Range: 4.5-7.0

Minimum Aquarium Size: 60cm x 30cm x 30cm for a single pair. A group will require much more space.

Potential Tankmates: pencilfish, Cardinals, Rummy-nose Tetra etc

Care Level: Moderate

 

The Two-Stripped Apisto is a fairly new species of dwarf cichlid having only first been discovered in 1980. Additionally, it is common to find slightly different coloured strains in local fish shops. This actually related to the location of wild fish. Some areas have populations that have a faint yellow, red, orange or blue colouration which just adds a little bit more to this already very nice fish.

Setting up an aquarium at home for these draws cichlids is not too challenging as long as you pay attention to the above water parameters with a focus on stability. Creating the best environment is the fun part. Their natural habitat is covered with lots of leaf litter and botanicals, wood etc which release tannic acids, turning the water dark. The use of a soft silica sand and some aquatic plants that do not require high light will provide them with everything they need to thrive.

As mentioned above, the Two-Stripped Apisto is primarily a carnivore. In the wild, they will consume small insects, crustaceans that live among the leaf litter and branches. You can simulate this in the home aquarium easily by providing live foods like daphnia, artemia and bloodworm. There are lots of dry foods that contain insect meal and larvae which can be introduced to provide a balanced diet.

To breed these dwarf cichlids, a slight increase in temperature and feeding will condition your pair for spawning. As a substrate egg layer, the female will prepare an area, usually between leaves or branches on the substrate. She will also take charge of there care before the fry hatch. As soon as her fry are free swimming, her aggression will spike and at that point, the male should be removed for his own safety.

All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, they are treated for any possible diseases and given a complete health check  to make sure they are health, happy and eating well before being placed in our display aquariums, ready for sale.

Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or to our Facebook page and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish. 

Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, adhere to the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document via a dated photo, water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels). Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or “disasters” i.e. a heater overheating. We recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium to prevent such situations. 

 Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please get in touch with us at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fish keeping! 

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