Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Aggressive

They are relatively shy and reclusive, requiring a heavily decorated tank to feel secure. While peaceful to upper-water species, they fiercely defend their bottom territories from conspecifics. They exhibit fascinating, complex behaviors, particularly during courtship and brood care.

Diet

Carnivore

Their natural diet consists of small benthic invertebrates and insect larvae sifted from the substrate. In the aquarium, they require a varied diet of high-quality frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. They may slowly learn to accept specialized sinking carnivore pellets, but live foods are best.

Sex ratio

Harem

They can be kept as a bonded pair or in a harem of one male to multiple females, provided the tank has a large footprint. Males are intensely intolerant of rival males and will engage in vicious combat if housed together. In a harem, each female requires her own distinct territory to prevent female-female aggression.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feeding them one to two small meals a day is appropriate for their metabolic needs. It is crucial to ensure that enough food reaches the bottom without being intercepted by faster tank mates. Careful observation during feeding prevents them from being outcompeted.

Bioload

Like most dwarf cichlids, they produce a minimal bioload that is easily managed in a mature aquarium. However, they are highly intolerant of poor water quality and require pristine conditions to thrive. A strict regimen of regular partial water changes and vacuuming is essential.

Flow

Strong

They hail from sluggish streams in the Amazon basin and require a gentle water flow. Excessive current will force them to hide constantly and causes significant physiological stress. Utilizing a sponge filter or carefully directing filter outputs ensures the calm environment they need.

Jump risk

No

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are secretive cave spawners, with the female taking primary responsibility for guarding the eggs and fry. The male defends a larger overarching territory containing the female's cave. Successful spawning requires soft, acidic water and an abundance of small, enclosed caves or coconut shells.

Compatibility & tankmates

Aggressive

They are peaceful toward dither fish like small tetras and pencilfish, which help them feel secure. They can, however, be aggressively territorial toward other bottom-dwellers, especially other dwarf cichlids. Housing them with boisterous or highly aggressive mid-water fish should be completely avoided.

Tank level

Bottom

They are strictly bottom-dwelling fish that spend their time navigating the substrate, driftwood, and leaf litter. They rely on complex visual barriers to establish territories and feel safe. They will rarely, if ever, swim in the upper half of the aquarium.