Flag Cichlid
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A delightful dward cichlid sometimes called the "Smiling Acara." Aaron Norman
Overview
This is a true dwarf acara that is great for a small community aquarium. Their bodies are typically chunky and the blue markings near their mouths give rise to their alternate common name: Smiling Acara.
Family: Cichlidae
Other common name(s):
- Flag Acara
- Smiling Acara
Native range:
Habitat: Provide a densely planted—anchored and floating—aquarium, with lots of hiding places (rocks, PVC piping, driftwood and inverted flowerpots), as the more hiding places these cichlids have, the more you will see them out in the open.
Maximum length: 7.5 cm (3 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 76 L (20 gal)
Water: Freshwater 24 °C (75 °F) - 29 °C (84 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom to midwater.
Feeding
Carnivore. Tank-raised specimens will accept almost any of the commercially prepared foods, including cichlid flakes and pellets, but wild-caught forms will initially require live foods, such as well-cleaned blackworms, frozen bloodworms, etc., after which they can be gradually acclimated to prepared foods.
Aquarium Compatibility
They are relatively peaceful, but may become somewhat aggressive during spawning. Provide dither fishes like small, schooling tetras to make them more comfortable.
Breeding/Propagation
Bi-parental substrate spawners, in which both male and female participate in the selection and cleaning of a suitable site. Acquire a group of four to six and let them pair up.
Notes
Warm, well-filtered water required.