Apistogramma Bitaeniata Shishita

Description

Apistogramma bitaeniata 'Shishita' (Apistogramma bitaeniata)

Elegant, colourful and highly sought after, the Shishita form of Apistogramma bitaeniata is one of the most spectacular dwarf cichlids available. Males develop brilliant electric blue highlights, golden-yellow bodies, elongated lyre-shaped fins and striking black lateral stripes, making them a true showpiece for South American planted aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Apistogramma bitaeniata
  • Common name: Shishita Apistogramma
  • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
  • Adult size: Males 8–9 cm, females 5–6 cm
  • Tank size: 80L+ recommended for a pair
  • Difficulty: 🟑 Intermediate
  • Temperament: Peaceful but territorial during breeding
  • Best kept: As a bonded pair or a single male with multiple females in larger aquariums

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You enjoy keeping premium South American dwarf cichlids.
  • You have a heavily planted or blackwater aquarium.
  • You appreciate natural fish with exceptional colour and finnage.
  • You're interested in observing fascinating breeding behaviour.

❌ Avoid if:

  • Your aquarium is newly established.
  • You keep aggressive or boisterous fish.
  • You cannot maintain soft, stable water conditions.
  • You want a fish that thrives in hard, alkaline water.

Why choose the Shishita Apistogramma?

The Shishita locality of Apistogramma bitaeniata is regarded as one of the finest forms of this already spectacular species. Mature males develop shimmering metallic blue cheeks, golden flanks, elongated dorsal rays and flowing lyre-shaped tails accented by bold black horizontal stripes.

Native to the slow-moving tributaries of the Amazon Basin, these dwarf cichlids thrive in aquariums filled with driftwood, leaf litter and dense vegetation. Their calm yet inquisitive nature makes them fascinating to observe as they explore every corner of the aquarium.

During breeding, females transform into brilliant yellow guardians while protecting eggs and fry inside caves, displaying remarkable parental care that few freshwater fish can match.

Benefits

  • Rare and highly desirable locality form
  • Brilliant metallic blue and gold colouration
  • Elegant lyre-shaped tail and extended finnage
  • Excellent centrepiece for planted aquariums
  • Fascinating breeding and parental behaviour
  • Compatible with peaceful South American community fish

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 25–29Β°C
  • pH: 5.0–6.8
  • Diet: Premium micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, blackworms and other quality live or frozen foods
  • Water: Soft, clean and stable with gentle filtration
  • Substrate: Fine sand
  • Setup: Driftwood, caves, leaf litter, dense planting and shaded areas
  • Provide multiple caves to reduce territorial disputes and encourage breeding.
  • Regular water changes and a varied diet will maximise colour and condition.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Rummy Nose Tetras
  • Pencilfish
  • Corydoras
  • Otocinclus
NTA Insight:
The Shishita variety is one of the jewels of the Apistogramma world. Males develop their richest colours when housed over fine sand with driftwood, leaf litter and subdued lighting. A varied diet of live and frozen foods, combined with soft, slightly acidic water, brings out their incredible metallic blues and encourages natural breeding behaviour. If you're looking for a premium dwarf cichlid that rewards good husbandry, this is an exceptional choice.

FAQ

How large do Shishita Apistogrammas grow?

Males typically reach 8–9 cm, while females remain smaller at around 5–6 cm.

Are they aggressive?

They are generally peaceful, although they become territorial while breeding and defending their fry.

Can they live in a community aquarium?

Yes. They do very well with peaceful South American species such as tetras, pencilfish, Corydoras and Otocinclus.

Do they need caves?

Absolutely. Females use caves for spawning and raising their fry, while both sexes use them as natural shelter.

Can they breed in home aquariums?

Yes. Under soft, slightly acidic water conditions, healthy pairs readily spawn in caves. Females provide excellent care for the eggs and fry.

Are they suitable for beginners?

They are better suited to aquarists with some experience maintaining soft, stable water conditions and providing a varied diet.

How long do Apistogramma bitaeniata 'Shishita' live?

With excellent care, pristine water quality and a balanced diet, they commonly live for 4–6 years.

Apistogramma Bitaeniata Shishita

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Out of stock,  

$60.00


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    Description

    Apistogramma bitaeniata 'Shishita' (Apistogramma bitaeniata)

    Elegant, colourful and highly sought after, the Shishita form of Apistogramma bitaeniata is one of the most spectacular dwarf cichlids available. Males develop brilliant electric blue highlights, golden-yellow bodies, elongated lyre-shaped fins and striking black lateral stripes, making them a true showpiece for South American planted aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Apistogramma bitaeniata
    • Common name: Shishita Apistogramma
    • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
    • Adult size: Males 8–9 cm, females 5–6 cm
    • Tank size: 80L+ recommended for a pair
    • Difficulty: 🟑 Intermediate
    • Temperament: Peaceful but territorial during breeding
    • Best kept: As a bonded pair or a single male with multiple females in larger aquariums

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You enjoy keeping premium South American dwarf cichlids.
    • You have a heavily planted or blackwater aquarium.
    • You appreciate natural fish with exceptional colour and finnage.
    • You're interested in observing fascinating breeding behaviour.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • Your aquarium is newly established.
    • You keep aggressive or boisterous fish.
    • You cannot maintain soft, stable water conditions.
    • You want a fish that thrives in hard, alkaline water.

    Why choose the Shishita Apistogramma?

    The Shishita locality of Apistogramma bitaeniata is regarded as one of the finest forms of this already spectacular species. Mature males develop shimmering metallic blue cheeks, golden flanks, elongated dorsal rays and flowing lyre-shaped tails accented by bold black horizontal stripes.

    Native to the slow-moving tributaries of the Amazon Basin, these dwarf cichlids thrive in aquariums filled with driftwood, leaf litter and dense vegetation. Their calm yet inquisitive nature makes them fascinating to observe as they explore every corner of the aquarium.

    During breeding, females transform into brilliant yellow guardians while protecting eggs and fry inside caves, displaying remarkable parental care that few freshwater fish can match.

    Benefits

    • Rare and highly desirable locality form
    • Brilliant metallic blue and gold colouration
    • Elegant lyre-shaped tail and extended finnage
    • Excellent centrepiece for planted aquariums
    • Fascinating breeding and parental behaviour
    • Compatible with peaceful South American community fish

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 25–29Β°C
    • pH: 5.0–6.8
    • Diet: Premium micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, blackworms and other quality live or frozen foods
    • Water: Soft, clean and stable with gentle filtration
    • Substrate: Fine sand
    • Setup: Driftwood, caves, leaf litter, dense planting and shaded areas
    • Provide multiple caves to reduce territorial disputes and encourage breeding.
    • Regular water changes and a varied diet will maximise colour and condition.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Cardinal Tetras
    • Rummy Nose Tetras
    • Pencilfish
    • Corydoras
    • Otocinclus
    NTA Insight:
    The Shishita variety is one of the jewels of the Apistogramma world. Males develop their richest colours when housed over fine sand with driftwood, leaf litter and subdued lighting. A varied diet of live and frozen foods, combined with soft, slightly acidic water, brings out their incredible metallic blues and encourages natural breeding behaviour. If you're looking for a premium dwarf cichlid that rewards good husbandry, this is an exceptional choice.

    FAQ

    How large do Shishita Apistogrammas grow?

    Males typically reach 8–9 cm, while females remain smaller at around 5–6 cm.

    Are they aggressive?

    They are generally peaceful, although they become territorial while breeding and defending their fry.

    Can they live in a community aquarium?

    Yes. They do very well with peaceful South American species such as tetras, pencilfish, Corydoras and Otocinclus.

    Do they need caves?

    Absolutely. Females use caves for spawning and raising their fry, while both sexes use them as natural shelter.

    Can they breed in home aquariums?

    Yes. Under soft, slightly acidic water conditions, healthy pairs readily spawn in caves. Females provide excellent care for the eggs and fry.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    They are better suited to aquarists with some experience maintaining soft, stable water conditions and providing a varied diet.

    How long do Apistogramma bitaeniata 'Shishita' live?

    With excellent care, pristine water quality and a balanced diet, they commonly live for 4–6 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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