Fish
Nannacara taenia
Nannacara taenia
Origin: Nannacara taenia comes from the lower Amazon in Brazil. It inhabits small shaded forest streams with soft, acidic blackwater, sandy beds, and leaf litter.
Also known as: Lattice dwarf cichlid, Nannacara taenia
Fact sheet
- Size
- 6 cm
- Lifespan
- 4 years
- Minimum tank size
- 60 L
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 5–6.5
- Hardness GH
- 1–8 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- In pairs
- Swimming zone
- Bottom
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
Nannacara taenia is a miniature dwarf cichlid with characteristic narrow dark longitudinal lines along the body. Smaller and plainer than Nannacara anomala, it needs softer, more acidic water and a shaded biotope layout. It is a peaceful fish that forms pairs with parental care, suited to biotope-style nano aquariums. Keep it in soft water with driftwood, leaf litter, and cover. Because of its water requirements it is recommended for keepers experienced with soft-water species.
Appearance
The body is shallow and elongated, 5–6 cm long (males larger). Narrow dark longitudinal lines run along the scale rows; the base is yellowish-brown with a greenish sheen. When spawning the females darken and show a contrasting pattern. The eyes have a golden sheen.
Care
A tank of at least 60 L with soft substrate, driftwood, leaf litter, and cover. Temperature 24–28 °C, pH 5.0–6.5, hardness GH 1–8 — soft, acidic water. Clean water and peat/leaf filtration are needed. The species is sensitive to hard, alkaline water.
Feeding
An omnivorous micro-predator with a small mouth. It takes small live and frozen foods — brine shrimp nauplii, cyclops, micro-worm, and small bloodworm. Feed once or twice daily in small portions.
Compatibility
A peaceful dwarf cichlid for a soft-water tank. It mixes well with small characins, rasboras, corydoras, and shrimp. Large or aggressive tankmates are unsuitable. Keep a pair or group.
Breeding
It forms pairs with parental care. Spawning takes place in cover or on substrate; the female guards the clutch and fry. Breeding needs very soft, acidic water. It is harder to breed than Nannacara anomala.
Fun facts
The narrow longitudinal lines along the scale rows give the species the name taenia ('band'). Unlike anomala, the lattice dwarf cichlid needs soft, acidic water. It is one of the smaller, more delicate nannacaras.