Buckhead Cichlid Care Guide
Laetacara araguaiae is a Brazilian dwarf cichlid from the Araguaia and lower Amazon tributaries, peaceful and suited to community planted aquariums.
Overview
Laetacara araguaiae, the buckhead cichlid, is a dwarf cichlid of the family Cichlidae from central and eastern Brazil. It is known from the rios Tapajos, Xingu and Tocantins, right-bank tributaries of the lower Amazon basin, and the rio Araguaia basin. Its dark mouth markings give the genus a smiling appearance, and it is peaceful and well suited to community planted aquariums.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Laetacara
- Scientific name: Laetacara araguaiae
Habitat
The type locality lies near the rio Verde in the rio Araguaia basin, Estado de Goias, Brazil. The species inhabits slow, sheltered waters with cover; AquaInfo notes that populations from the Araguaia and Tocantins show blue and red tones while Tapajos fish are more turquoise-green.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.2
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
A sand substrate with leaf litter and planting suits this species and matches its slow-water habitat.
Diet
Primarily carnivorous, feeding mostly on benthic invertebrates in nature. In the aquarium it is an omnivore that accepts small live, frozen and prepared foods, fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
A peaceful, mid-water dwarf cichlid suited to community tanks with small tetras, rummy-nose tetras, corydoras and otocinclus. Avoid tiger barbs and aggressive cichlids.
Breeding
A biparental substrate spawner: both parents guard eggs and fry. Breeding difficulty is considered beginner-friendly.