Smiling Acara
Laetacara curviceps
Also known as: Smiling Acara, Flag Acara, Curviceps
Origin: South America (Brazil, Amazon basin)
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 7 cm
- Min Tank
- 60 L
- Lifespan
- 4-6
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- very peaceful; excellent community cichlid; mild territorial defence near spawning site
About
Laetacara curviceps, the Smiling Acara, is a small and gentle dwarf cichlid from the Amazon basin of Brazil. Its common name comes from the characteristic upturned line of the mouth, which gives it a permanently 'smiling' appearance. Males display attractive blue-green iridescent scaling on a grey-olive body, and both sexes participate in parental care of eggs and fry laid on flat surfaces.
Care Guide
Water: 23-28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 5-15, KH 1-6; adaptable and forgiving of moderate hardness. Tank: 60L minimum; well-planted with flat rocks or broad leaves as potential spawning sites. Feeding: Omnivore; accepts flake, pellets, and frozen foods readily. Behaviour: Very peaceful; pairs form strong bonds and share brood care duties. Compatibility: Excellent community fish; compatible with tetras, rasboras, and corydoras.
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