In the aquarium
Dwarf smiling acaras are a relatively shy and peaceful cichlid species, suitable
for beginners.
Pairs can be housed in community aquariums with other community species
such as tetras.
Can be used in scenarios where Apistogramma would be used.
Dither fish like guppies or tetras will help to make this species more confident.
Equipment, decor and Aquarium Size
A 2ft or larger aquarium is suitable for a pair. Larger aquariums will be needed
for a group or multiple pairs.
Include lots of live plant; including floating plants like foxtail or water sprite
driftwood and rocks, fine substrate (3mm).
Water Parameters
Can be sensitive to toxins excellent water quality is important.
Enjoys soft, black-water type conditions, use driftwood and peatmoss extract to
simulate this.
NOTE: This fish is adaptable to community conditions and does not require
black-water to survive.
Feeding
Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and blood worm, high quality pellet and
flake such as “Prestige Growth” or “colour bites”.
Breeding
Smiling dwarf acaras are monogamous open substrate spawner preferring flat
rocks to spawn on.
Males will darken in colour when courting/spawning
High level of parental care of fry, care of fry will continue months after spawning.
References
www.seriouslyfish.com
www.lem.net
By Christine Morton