All fish / Cichlidae

Nannacara quadrispinae

Nannacara quadrispinae

Also known as four-spined nannacara, nannacara

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This is a small, stocky dwarf cichlid from the Guianas. It has a brownish body with a greenish or metallic sheen and darker mottling. Females can change quickly to a bold black and pale patterned breeding dress. Keepers like it because it is easy to watch, colours up well and shows interesting parental care in a modest tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

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

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp, plus quality granules

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Coastal river basins of Guyana and Suriname

Breeding

It lays eggs on a cave roof or flat stone, and the female guards the eggs and fry very closely. Spawning is fairly easy in soft, slightly acidic water with good hiding places. Remove the male or give him plenty of cover after spawning, because the female may attack him.

Good to know

Fish sold under this name are rare and sometimes mixed up with Nannacara anomala or other Nannacara species. Breeding fish become territorial, so the tank should have caves and broken sight lines.