Fish
Golden Dwarf Cichlid
Nannacara anomala
Origin: Nannacara anomala comes from the coastal rivers of Guyana and Suriname in northern South America. It inhabits small streams and backwaters with soft, slightly acidic water, sandy beds, and cover.
Also known as: Goldeneye cichlid, Nannacara anomala
Fact sheet
- Size
- 8 cm
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Minimum tank size
- 80 L
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 2–15 °dH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Social behavior
- In pairs
- Swimming zone
- Bottom, Middle
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
Nannacara anomala is one of the most popular dwarf cichlids, ideal as an introduction to dwarf cichlids. It shows strong sexual dimorphism: males are larger and shimmer metallic green and blue in breeding dress, while the plain females take on a contrasting checkerboard pattern when guarding a clutch. It is a relatively peaceful, easy fish that forms pairs with parental care. Keep it in a planted tank with cover and soft water. It is excellent for a species or calm community tank.
Appearance
The body is moderately deep, up to 7–8 cm in males; females are noticeably smaller (4–5 cm). In dress males are metallic green with blue and reddish fin edging; females are yellowish-brown, taking on a dark checkerboard pattern when spawning. The eyes have a golden sheen, hence the name 'goldeneye'.
Care
A tank of at least 80 L with soft substrate, driftwood, plants, and cave-like cover. Temperature 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, hardness GH 2–15. Clean water and regular water changes are needed. Soft, slightly acidic water is preferred, but the species is adaptable.
Feeding
An omnivorous micro-predator. It takes live and frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, cyclops, and daphnia, plus quality cichlid pellets. Feed once or twice daily in small portions.
Compatibility
A relatively peaceful dwarf cichlid, territorial only around the nest. It mixes well with small and medium characins, rasboras, and corydoras. When spawning the pair defends its patch. Keep a pair or group in a spacious tank.
Breeding
It forms pairs with parental care. The female lays eggs in cover or on substrate and guards the clutch and fry, showing a checkerboard 'battle' colour; the male defends the territory. Breeding is easy, making the species excellent for beginning cichlid keepers.
Fun facts
The golden sheen of the eyes gives the species its 'goldeneye' name. When guarding a clutch the females sharply change colour to a contrasting checkerboard pattern. It is one of the easiest dwarf cichlids for beginners.