TankBud

Redbreast acara

Laetacara dorsigera

Also known as Red-breasted flag cichlid

FreshwaterFish

Redbreast acara (Laetacara dorsigera)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–81°F
22–27°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
2.8 in
7 cm
Minimum tank
20 gal
75 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Easy
Rarity
Common
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
South America: Guapore, Parana, Paraguay and Uruguay river drainages (Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina)

Overview

Keep them as a single male and female pair rather than a group, since a breeding pair turns territorial and stops tolerating its own kind. A 75 liter footprint suits one pair, and a 100 liter or larger tank gives room to add small dwarf cichlids or tetras. They are mostly peaceful and spend their time near the bottom, sifting and patrolling their patch. Hold the water at 22 to 27 C and pH 6 to 7.5, soft and acidic to neutral. Feed small live or frozen foods like bloodworm, daphnia, and brine shrimp alongside a quality dried food, which helps bring out the red on the breast.

In the wild

Redbreast acaras come from slow, soft, slightly acidic waters in the Guapore, Parana, Paraguay, and Uruguay river drainages across Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. They live close to the bottom over sand, among leaf litter, roots, and dense plants. Give them a tank of at least 75 liters with a soft sandy substrate, some leaf litter and roots, a few flat rocks, and thick planting with shaded corners so they feel secure. Keep the water at 22 to 27 C, soft, and on the acidic to neutral side at pH 6 to 7.5.

Good to know

This is a dwarf cichlid in the family Cichlidae. FishBase lists about 6 cm standard length, and in the hobby adults reach roughly 7 to 8 cm total length, with males the largest. They are biparental substrate spawners, meaning both parents guard the eggs and fry, and they are one of the easier dwarf cichlids to breed. Southern subtropical populations tolerate cooler water down to about 20 C, though they are usually kept warmer.

Did you know

The red breast that gives the fish its name comes up strongest on a settled, well fed pair, especially a male holding territory. A pair will pick out a flat rock or cleared patch of substrate, lay their eggs together, and then both stand guard, fanning the clutch and herding the fry once they hatch.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

Redbreast acara is a mostly peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Redbreast acara need?

A Redbreast acara needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Redbreast acara need?

A Redbreast acara is comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

How big does a Redbreast acara get?

An adult Redbreast acara reaches about 2.8 in (7 cm).

Related species