Golden Dwarf Cichlid

 An oval-shaped cichlid and laterally compressed cichlid. The caudal penuncle is characteristically short, while the dorsal fin of males is highly elongated. The eye is large. The male is much more colorful than the female. His back and upper-parts are olive brown to light brown, as is his belly. The flanks are iridescent blue to green, as are the cheeks. Depending on the mood the fish may display two dark, lateral stripes, and faint transverse markings. The dorsal fin begins as red, but turns green as it approaches the rear. This fin is tipped with a red edge. A white line parallels this red edging. The anal and caudal fins are red to blue or green. The females coloration is much blander. Several color morphs are common. At spawning times the female's coloration changes to a lattice-pattern that crisscrosses on her body.

This cichlid is a smaller cichlid with males reaching sizes of 3.5" (9 cm), and females to 2" (5 cm)

They are found in South America in particular Western Guyana and prefer the middle and bottom areas of the tank. The recommended tank size measuring 24” (61 cm) with a capacity of 20 gallons (75 L) is adequate. The tank should be heavily planted at the corners and back. Provide hiding places with rocks, roots, and wood. Allow open areas for free-swimming. Water parameters should be pH 6.2-7.5 (7.1), 3-14 dH (10), and the temperature should be 72-81°F (22-27°C)

 Outside of spawning season, this cichlid is peaceful. The Golden Dwarf Cichlid does not uproot or harm plants. This fish can be combined with small fish of the upper swimming levels. Tankmates would include Tetras, Hatchetfish, Corydoras, Loricarids, Gouramis.

Foods that are recommended for these fish include live; worms, insect larvae, aquatic insects, crustaceans; flakes; pellets.

When sexing males are considerably larger, have elongated anal and dorsal fins, and are more colorful.

Breeding these fish is fairly easy. Use water with a pH from 6.2-6.5, a water hardness of 4-12 dH, and a temperature from 79-86°F (26-30°C). Some authors suggest peat filtration to help stimulate spawning, although most agree that this is unnecessary. Up to 300 eggs are laid in a previously cleaned cave. The male should be removed at this point or else he may be bullied to death by the female. The female continues her care for the young and the fry. The eggs hatch after 2-3 days when they are moved to a shallow pit. The young are free-swimming 4-5 days further. They can be fed on crushed dry foods and brine shrimp nauplii. The female attracts the young by vibrating and jerking her body.

This is an ideal fish for an aquarist wanting to ease their way into care for other cichlids.