All fish / Cichlidae

Flag Acara

Laetacara curviceps

Also known as flag cichlid, dwarf flag cichlid, smiling acara, curviceps, aequidens curviceps, sheepshead acara, ラエタカラ・クルビセプス, 旗帜短鲷, 红肚火口

A small, deep-bodied South American cichlid with a pale olive to bluish body, iridescent blue-green flecks on the head and fins, and a dark blotch on the flank. It is valued as a gentle, colourful dwarf cichlid that suits planted community tanks better than most of its relatives.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.2

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Pair or small group

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon basin, Brazil (lower and middle Amazon tributaries)

Breeding

Pairs spawn on a cleaned flat stone or leaf and both parents guard the eggs and free-swimming fry. Breeding is fairly easy in soft, slightly acidic water with a settled pair.

Good to know

Pairs may become territorial while breeding, so give cover and avoid very small or slow-finned tankmates during that time. It is sometimes confused with Laetacara dorsigera, which has a red belly.