Redbreast acara - Laetacara dorsigera

Scientific name: Laetacara dorsigera

Common name: Redbreast acara

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 7 - 10 cm (2.76 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.3 - 7.4

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 3 - 18°N (53.57 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 26 °C (69.8 - 78.8°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

Food and feeding

It is very rare that Redbreast acaras will accept commercial foods. Feed them live or frozen foods, brine shrimp, micro worms, blood worms and tubifex are ideal.

Origin

South America; Redbreast acaras are found in the waterways of Argentina.

Sexing

Males will have extended dorsal and anal fins. The females will display a dark patch with white dots at the base of their dorsal fin, this is not present in the males.

Breeding

Laetacara dorsigera are not the easiest fish to breed but it is not impossible. Add flat rocks for potential spawning sites and raise the temperature slightly after conditioning the parents on plenty of live or frozen foods. When the eggs are laid, the parents will defend them vigorously and once the fry are free swimming they can be fed on Infusoria until they grow larger.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Laetacara dorsigera is 5-8 years.

Short description

Keep these fish with small tank mates like tetras or keep them in a species tank. Laetacara dorsigera are peaceful until spawning when they will become very territorial. Use a planted tank with plenty of hiding places created from rocks or bog wood.Also known as Redbreasted flag cichlid.

Pictures

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