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Golden dwarf cichlid

Nannacara anomala

Also known as Goldeye dwarf cichlid, Golden-eyed dwarf cichlid, Golden dwarf acara

FreshwaterFish
Golden dwarf cichlid (Nannacara anomala)
Borkowski.robert · CC BY-SA 4.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
3.1 in (8 cm)
Minimum tank
16 gal (60 L)
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Easy
Rarity
Common
Origin
Coastal freshwater drainages of western Guyana and Suriname, in slow forest creeks, ditches, and swampy pools.
Family
Cichlidae

Overview

A pair does well in a 60 liter tank at 22 to 28 C and pH 6.0 to 7.5. Feed small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, and brine shrimp along with quality micro pellets. They are mostly peaceful and can share space with small, calm fish like pencilfish or tetras. Keep only one male unless the tank is large.

In the wild

Golden dwarf cichlids come from slow, shallow water in the coastal forests of Guyana and Suriname. They live among leaf litter, roots, and dense marginal plants in creeks and swampy pools. Wild water is soft and slightly acidic, but this species tolerates a wider range than most dwarf cichlids. A well planted tank with driftwood and a few caves suits them best.

Good to know

Nannacara anomala was described by Regan in 1905 and belongs to the family Cichlidae. It is strongly dimorphic, with males growing to about 8 cm and turning iridescent blue-green, while females stay near 4 to 5 cm. Brooding females darken almost to black and show a bold checkerboard pattern.

Did you know

The female forms a matriarchal family and guards the fry so fiercely that she will drive off a much larger male.

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Cichlids · Beginner fish · Bottom dwellers

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