Tank Talk Magazine June 2010 | Page 22

21 Golden dwarf cichlid-Nannacara anomala www.lagalaxie.com Another South American dwarf cichlid, one which is almost never in shops, and if it is, it will normally go un-noticed by all but those with the keenest eye. Breeding characteristics like an Apistogramma, rated as easy and recommended for beginners. Size/Length: Male: 6.5cm (2.6") Female: 3.5cm (1.4") Aquarium: 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L). Make the tank well planted with plenty of hiding places among rocks. Water chemistry: pH 6 - 7.5 (7.0), 5 dH - 20 dH (10), 72-82°F (22-28°C) Social behaviour: Peaceful; Can me mildly aggressive at times. The Golden Dwarf Acara can at times be timid. A smaller sized fish that works well in smaller sized tanks. They are great parents. They are relatively easy to spawn, if their requirements are met. Recommended tank mates: Smaller corydoras species, pleco species, medium sized tetras. FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, Tubifex worms , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae; small cichlid pellets; flake Pygmy sparkling gourami - Trichopsis pumila Occasionally found in shops, but often missed. Size/Length: 3.81cm Aquarium: Well planted tank minimum 12L Water chemistry: pH 6-7.5 (6.8), 2-18 dH (6), 73-82°F (23-28°C) Social behaviour: Peaceful, shy at times Recommended tank mates: Gentle, peaceful, small community species FOOD: Omnivore: commercially available flake and pellet foods, frozen or freeze- dried live foods. Honey dwarf gourami - Colisa sota The ”true” variant of the honey gourami is not often sold in shops anymore due to the fact this species will rarely colour up in a shop, they instead opt to provide the orange/gold variety simply because it maintains it’s colouration even in shop conditions. Size/Length: To 1.7" (4.5 cm) Aquarium: A tank measuring 20" (51 cm) with a volume of 10 gallons (38 L) is suggested. Plant the corners and sides of the tank heavily and allow open swimming areas in the middle. A few floating plants are recommended to provide areas of shade. Water chemistry: pH 6-7.5 (6.8), 2-18 dH (6), 73-82°F (23-28°C) Social behaviour: This timid species is peaceful towards other species. An excellent community fish for tanks housing other peaceful fish. This species can be kept in pairs or in groups. Recommended tank mates: Smaller Colisa , Trichopsis, Corydoras , Danios, Loaches, Loricarids. FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, Tubifex/bloodworms , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae; flake, pellets/tablets ggpht.com