Araguaia Dwarf Cichlid

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to Brazil, found in the Araguaia and Tocantins River basins. Inhabits slow-moving streams, oxbow lakes, and marshy margins with dense vegetation.

Taxonomy and Morphology: A member of the family Cichlidae. Reaches up to 7.5 cm in length. Features a rounded head profile and compressed body shape.

Social Behavior: Relatively peaceful compared to larger cichlids. Becomes territorial during spawning, defending the nesting site. Best kept in bonded pairs.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Dark body coloration highlighted by brilliant blue iridescent scales and reddish tones on the belly and fins. Males develop longer, pointed dorsal and anal fins.

Aquarium Setup: An 80-liter tank with soft sand, driftwood roots, and dense plantings. Provide flat stones and broad-leafed plants to serve as spawning substrates.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Readily accepts dry foods. Supplement with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, mysis, and bloodworms to encourage spawning.

Water Quality: Prefers soft, slightly acidic conditions. Keep temperature at 23-27 °C, pH at 5.5-7.0, and hardness at 2-10 dGH.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Compatible with other peaceful community fish like tetras, corydoras, and small plecos. Avoid highly aggressive dwarf cichlid species.

Aquarium Breeding: Open substrate spawner. The pair cleans a flat surface (rock or leaf) to deposit adhesive eggs. Both parents protect the spawn and fry.

Risks and Diseases: Sensitive to sudden parameters fluctuations and high organic waste. Weekly partial water changes are essential to prevent diseases.