All fish / Cichlidae

Lattice Dwarf Cichlid

Nannacara taenia

Also known as lattice dwarf chromis, nannacara taenia, striped nannacara, dwarf nannacara, ナンナカラ・タエニア, 网纹娜娜卡拉短鲷

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A very small Amazonian cichlid with a sandy brown body marked by a dark lattice or chequered pattern and a horizontal stripe, which females can turn into a bold black and yellow display when guarding young. Keepers value it for its modest size, interesting behaviour and the chance to watch close parental care in a small planted tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

4.5 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.2

Smallest tank

45 litres

Keep as

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

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: lower Amazon basin around Belém and nearby coastal drainages

Breeding

A cave or substrate spawner; the female lays eggs on a hidden surface and guards the eggs and fry with notable devotion. It breeds fairly readily in soft, slightly acidic water with plenty of cover, though the female may chase the male away, so a roomy tank helps.

Good to know

Males are larger and can be pushy towards females at spawning time, so provide plenty of caves and plants. Often confused with Nannacara anomala, which is larger and more iridescent.