Golden-Headed Acara Care Guide
Nannacara aureocephalus is a dwarf cichlid endemic to the Approuague basin of French Guiana, with golden head coloration in males.
Overview
Nannacara aureocephalus is a dwarf cichlid of the family Cichlidae endemic to French Guiana, specifically the Approuague River basin. Males show brilliant golden head coloration. It is a hardy, peaceful species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Nannacara
- Scientific name: Nannacara aureocephalus
Habitat
The species occupies shallow water near the edges of swamps and areas of stagnant water in forest creeks within the Approuague basin. These are sheltered, slow or still waters with cover.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 23-28 °C (73-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.2
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
A sand substrate with planting and cave-like retreats suits this species and provides spawning sites and territorial boundaries.
Diet
An omnivore in the aquarium 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, pencilfish, corydoras and otocinclus. It should be kept away from tiger barbs and aggressive cichlids.
Breeding
A substrate spawner with breeding difficulty considered intermediate. As in related Nannacara, the female typically guards eggs and fry after spawning on a chosen surface.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.