Apistogramma barlowi is one of two known species of mouthbrooding Apistos (and, frankly, there's some debate as to whether Apistogramma kelleri is even a valid species). This breeding behaviour is influenced greatly by the spawning substrate, and a fine substrate is recommended for these fishes.
The Mouthbrooding Apisto is one of the more aggressive species of Apistogramma, with females often greatly damaging or even killing males during spawning, and sometimes males killing females. Care should be taken when attempting to breed this species that both individuals are well conditioned on a a diet of high protein, live foods. Additionally, they may become aggressive toward tankmakes, and larger, more active species are best.