Golden dwarf cichlid care
Nannacara anomala
Nannacara anomala, the golden dwarf cichlid, is a small South American cichlid from Guyana and Suriname. It is hardy, relatively easy to keep and can suit a peaceful community aquarium. Brood care changes its behaviour: a female guarding eggs or fry may become very aggressive. Seriously Fish recommends a 46 × 38 cm base and about 52 litres. Plant the aquarium densely, add wood and cover, keep water stable, and plan enough bottom area for territories. Observe the fish after introduction and ensure every individual can retreat.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
- pH
- 5.0–7.5
- GH
- 3–8 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 46 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 52 L
- Adult size
- Up to 7.6 cm
- Group size
- At least 2 individuals
- Temperament
- Territorial
About this species
Nannacara anomala Regan, 1905 belongs to the family Cichlidae and is known as the golden dwarf cichlid. Males grow larger and usually show more blue and red; females are smaller and yellower with a dark flank stripe. A breeding female may show a high-contrast checkerboard pattern. Seriously Fish gives around 76 mm standard length, while FishBase lists 56 mm SL. Because the sources differ, the measurement basis is stated and the current specialist profile is used as the reference.
Natural habitat
The natural range extends from the Rio Aruka in Guyana to the lower Rio Marowijne in Suriname. The species is often found in low coastal areas that flood periodically, including grassland. Most aquarium-trade fish are commercially farmed, including in Asia or Eastern Europe, so traded fish do not necessarily come from one precise local water type.
Aquarium and layout
Seriously Fish recommends a base of 46 × 38 cm and about 52 litres, approximately 46 × 38 × 30 cm. Use dense plants, wood and cover while retaining open swimming space. A pair can breed in a well-structured aquarium. A male with several females needs considerably more bottom area, as each female requires space for a sub-territory. A mature aquarium and stable water quality are important.
Water conditions
The current Seriously Fish profile gives 22–27 °C and pH 5.0–7.5. Hardness is not recorded as a quick fact; its notes say the fish prefers soft water but tolerates about 3–8 dH. FishBase lists broader values from other references. Maintain stable soft to moderately mineralised water and match acclimation to origin and previous conditions. Avoid rapid changes in temperature, pH or hardness.
Behaviour and group size
The species is generally described as a peaceful dwarf cichlid for a community aquarium. A female guarding eggs or fry can become very aggressive, even toward larger fish. Choose tankmates by adult size, behaviour and use of bottom space; suitable water values alone are not enough. This guide does not list individual species combinations that have not been checked separately. Provide visual barriers, several refuges and enough space to retreat from the brood territory.
Feeding
Nannacara anomala is a micropredator that feeds on worms, insects and other invertebrates in the wild. It often accepts dried foods in aquaria, including protein-rich cichlid pellets. Vary these with live or frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp. Seriously Fish also recommends plant matter, such as spirulina or vegetable foods. Feed small portions and prevent leftovers from degrading water quality.
Breeding
A male and female may spawn readily. The female cares for eggs and fry; the male may defend the larger territory. FishBase cites clutches of up to around 300 eggs, but this is not a guaranteed count. Provide sheltered spawning areas and plan enough space before a pair breeds in a community aquarium. Watch for aggression toward other inhabitants and ensure they can retreat or be separated if needed.
Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .