Dwarf flag cichlid

Care at a glance

Overview

A peaceful dwarf cichlid that holds the middle and lower water and claims a small territory near the bottom. A single pair needs at least 75 liters, with caves and plants to break up sightlines. Feed a mix of quality pellets and frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. It is calm enough for a community with small tetras and other gentle fish, though it gets protective when breeding.

In the wild

The dwarf flag cichlid comes from quiet, warm waters in Brazil, including forest streams and floodplains with leaf litter and submerged wood. Tannin-stained, soft, slightly acidic water suits it. Set up the tank with a sandy bottom, driftwood, leaf litter, and some flat stones or caves, and keep flow gentle. Floating plants to dim the light help it settle in and color up better.

Good to know

This is a dwarf cichlid in the family Cichlidae, reaching about 5.5 cm. It is a substrate-spawning cichlid, laying eggs on a flat surface and forming a pair that both guard the eggs and fry. It does best in warm water, from the low to high 20s C, and a pH on the soft, acidic side.

Did you know

The pair forms a strong bond and works together raising the young, herding the free-swimming fry around the tank and guiding them back toward cover when something gets too close.

Related species

• Redbreast acara

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  Bolivian ram

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  Three-Stripe Dwarf Cichlid

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  Checkerboard Cichlid

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  Kribensis

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