Dwarf flag cichlid - Laetacara curviceps

Scientific name: Laetacara curviceps

Common name: Dwarf flag cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 0 - 18°N (0 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Origin

The Dwarf Flag Cichlid, known scientifically as Laetacara curviceps, originates from the Amazon tributaries in South America. These peaceful fish are native to calm, slow-moving waters with dense vegetation and soft substrates.

Lifespan

With proper care, Laetacara curviceps typically live between 2 to 4 years, though some specimens reach up to 5 years.

Overview

Also known as Flag Acara, Smiling Acara, or Sheepshead Acara, this species is one of the most beginner-friendly cichlids due to its peaceful temperament and hardy nature. They are ideal for planted aquariums and thrive in community tanks. However, avoid keeping them with much smaller fish, as they may see them as food.

Food and Feeding

Dwarf Flag Cichlids are omnivores and require a balanced diet:

Staple diet: High-quality flakes or pellets
Protein-rich treats: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tubifex
Vegetable matter: Blanched spinach, zucchini

Sexing

Males are typically more colorful and have longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins compared to females.

Breeding

They are substrate spawners and breed readily in a well-structured tank. The breeding pair should be conditioned with live foods, and flat surfaces like rocks or driftwood will serve as spawning sites. The eggs hatch within a few days, with fry becoming free-swimming in about a week. Newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed flakes are ideal starter foods.

Tank Setup and Tank Mates

Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters)
Water Parameters:

pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
Water Hardness: 4–12 dGH

Compatible Tank Mates:

Avoid: Large aggressive cichlids and fin-nipping species

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.

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Did you know?

Always count fish in your fish pond; This is a daily task.
Tetraodon biocellatus shouldn’t be kept in a species tank only.
Lighting shouldn’t be too strong because it might stress the fish and burn the plants.
Aquarium snails might eat plants, but it’s rare for them to completely destroy all the plants.
Fish are very sensitive to changes of pressure, especially when it’s unexpected and sudden.

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