Golden Dwarf Cichlid — a Cichlidae from South America, feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Reaches 4.2–6.2 cm; pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines. 22–25 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
22–25 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
4.2–6.2 cm
Minimum tank
46 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance
Origin
South America
Species overview
From the waters of South America comes Nannacara anomala, a member of the family Cichlidae. Territory is its whole worldview; rocks arranged as walls calm what open water cannot. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 4.2–6.2 cm. Pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines. Strong filtration, hardscape boundaries and a steady routine turn a brawler into a showpiece. Maintain 22–25 °C at pH 6–8. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
Native biotope
Habitat
Lakes and slow rivers with structure
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Sand with rock piles
Hardscape
Stones, caves and broken lines of sight
Plants
Hardy species that tolerate digging
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines
Diet
Hearty eater; feed pellets with regular vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates
Other cichlids of similar size and temperament — Balance aggression across the tank
Avoid keeping with
Delicate planted-tank species — Uprooted and outcompeted