All fish / Cichlidae

Golden Dwarf Cichlid

Nannacara anomala

Also known as golden dwarf acara, goldeneye dwarf cichlid, golden eye cichlid, nannacara, dwarf acara, ナンナカラ・アノマラ, 金眼短鲷, 阿诺玛拉短鲷

A small, stocky South American cichlid whose males show a metallic green to blue sheen with dark-edged scales, while females are smaller and yellowish with a dark checkered pattern when breeding. It is hardy, adaptable and shows fascinating parental behaviour in a modest planted tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

One pair, or one male with two or more females in a larger tank

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana coastal rivers and creeks

Breeding

A cave or open substrate spawner that lays eggs on a flat stone or inside a cave, after which the female guards the eggs and fry fiercely. Breeding is easy in soft, slightly acidic water, and the female often drives the male away, so give plenty of cover or remove him.

Good to know

Males grow noticeably larger than females and pairs can become aggressive when spawning, so avoid very small tanks and timid bottom dwellers. Keep with peaceful dither fish such as tetras.