Dwarf Flag Cichlid, also known as Flag Acara, is a freshwater species of cichlid. It lives in slow rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes in the Amazon Basin.
It’s best to keep Dwarf Flag Cichlids in pairs while keeping them in an aquarium.
Also, the tank should be at least 60 cm long to ensure adequate space for all the tank inhabitants.
Dwarf Flag Cichlid Interesting Facts
- Dwarf Flag Cichlids thrive in Amazon Basin’s slow rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes.
- They grow up to 1.8 inches (4.6 centimeters) long and prefer swimming near the bottom of their habitat.
- Ideal water conditions: pH 5.2 to 7.5, hardness (dH) 5 to 12, temperature 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
- Males and females have similar colors but differ in size; they are attentive parents to their offspring.
Dwarf Flag Cichlid Habitat
Dwarf Flag Cichlid is a tropical fish from the Amazon River basin in Brazil. It lives in the lower parts of the Amazon’s tributaries.
This freshwater fish prefers to swim near the bottom (benthopelagic) and needs specific water conditions.
The ideal pH for this fish ranges from 5.2 to 7.5, and water hardness (dH) between 5 to 12.
The best temperature for the Dwarf flag cichlid is between 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | 5.2 to 7.5 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 12 dH |
Dwarf Flag Cichlid Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.8 inches (4.6 centimeters)
Male Dwarf Flag Cichlids are smaller than females.
Males grow up to 1.8 inches (4.6 centimeters) long, while females reach up to 2.6 inches (6.6 centimeters) long.
Dwarf Flag Cichlid Reproduction
Both males and females Dwarf Flag Cichlids look alike in color, but the males are a bit bigger. They lay around 300 eggs at a time.
Dwarf Flag Cichlids exhibit great parental instincts. Both parents take care of the eggs and baby until they become independent.
Dwarf Flag Cichlid Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Laetacara |
| Scientific Name: | Laetacara curviceps |
| Also Known As: | Dwarf Flag Cichlid, Flag Acara |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |