Dwarf Flag Cichlid Care Guide
Laetacara curviceps is a peaceful Amazonian dwarf cichlid with a smiling face marking and curved forehead, well suited to community planted tanks.
Overview
Laetacara curviceps, the dwarf flag cichlid, is a member of the family Cichlidae native to the lower Amazon river basin in Brazil. The genus name references a smiling appearance created by mouth patterning. It is a peaceful species well suited to community planted tanks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Laetacara
- Scientific name: Laetacara curviceps
Habitat
The species prefers clear, transparent water with a low flow rate and little suspended sediment, in tributaries, oxbow pools and marginal lakes with leaf-litter substrates and aquatic plants.
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
Seriously Fish records a tolerated temperature range of 20-28 °C and pH 4.5-7.5; a sand substrate with leaf litter and planting reflects the natural habitat.
Diet
Wild populations forage on algae, detritus, insects, worms and crustaceans. In the aquarium it is an omnivore that accepts small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia alongside good-quality dried 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. It may nibble on soft-leaved plants. Avoid tiger barbs and aggressive cichlids.
Breeding
A biparental substrate spawner: both parents guard eggs laid on a chosen surface and tend the resulting fry. Breeding difficulty is considered beginner-friendly.