Fairy dwarf cichlid

Biotoecus opercularis

Also known as Fairy cichlid, Rio Negro dwarf cichlid

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 77–86°F (25–30°C)
pH: 4.0–6.5
Adult size: 1.6 in (4 cm)
Minimum tank: 20 gal (75 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Solitary
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Difficult
Breeding: Hard
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Middle and lower Amazon basin of Brazil, in shallow sandy blackwater with leaf litter and submerged wood.
Family: Cichlidae

Overview

A pair needs a mature tank of at least 75 liters at 25 to 30 C and pH 4.0 to 6.5, with very soft, clean water. Provide fine sand, leaf litter, and small caves. Feed tiny live and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp and micro worms. It is peaceful and shy and must not share space with boisterous fish.

In the wild

The fairy dwarf cichlid lives in the middle and lower Amazon basin of Brazil, including the Rio Negro and several clearwater tributaries. It occupies shallow sandy blackwater with leaf litter and submerged wood. This is a tiny, delicate fish that needs very soft, acidic water. It must go into a mature, stable tank, never a new setup.

Good to know

Biotoecus opercularis was described by Steindachner in 1875 and stays under about 4 cm, one of the smallest New World cichlids. Unusually for a small South American cichlid, both parents share care of the brood. It is extremely sensitive to declining water quality.