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Golden Dwarf Cichlid
Nannacara anomala
Also known as Goldeneye Cichlid
Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Cichlidae
The Golden Dwarf Cichlid is a small, peaceful cichlid native to South America, prized for its vibrant golden coloration and manageable size. These fish are ideal for community tanks and nano aquariums, displaying interesting territorial and breeding behaviors without excessive aggression. They are relatively hardy and make excellent choices for intermediate aquarists looking to keep cichlids in smaller setups.
Where it's from
Native to the Coppename, Corantijn, Crique Yiyi, Cusewijne and 11 other river basins
Suriname, French Guiana and Guyana
At a glance
- Size
- 2.5 in
- 6 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal
- 76 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- All levels
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Golden Dwarf Cichlids are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet including high-quality micro pellets, small live foods like brine shrimp and daphnia, and frozen foods such as bloodworms. Feed small portions 2-3 times daily, adjusting quantity to what they consume in a few minutes. Occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach supports digestive health.
Behavior
These cichlids are active bottom and middle-zone dwellers that display curious, inquisitive behavior while remaining peaceful toward tank mates. Males may exhibit mild territorial behavior, particularly during breeding, but rarely cause serious harm. They enjoy exploring caves and dense vegetation, and pairs often display fascinating courtship and parental care behaviors.
Breeding
Golden Dwarf Cichlids are cave spawners that breed readily in well-established tanks with appropriate conditions. Provide small caves or PVC pipes, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5), and temperatures around 26-28 C (79-82 F) to encourage spawning. Both parents guard eggs and fry, making them excellent candidates for observing cichlid parental behavior in home aquariums.
Tank mates
See all 5Small tetras are generally safe; avoid very tiny species that may trigger predatory instincts
Bottom-dwelling catfish that occupy different zones and don't compete for resources
Similar size and peaceful temperament; monitor during breeding season
Peaceful algae eaters that coexist well without territorial conflicts
Small schooling fish that occupy middle water column and complement dwarf cichlids
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Hole-in-the-Head (Hexamita), Bacterial Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure ammonia and nitrite remain at 0 ppm
Hole-in-the-Head (Hexamita)
Small pits or holes in head region, loss of appetite, white stringy feces
Perform large water changes, improve diet with quality foods and vitamin supplements, use metronidazole-based medication if recommended by aquatic veterinarian
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, fin damage, behavioral changes, loss of appetite
Maintain pristine water conditions, perform daily 25% water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment; isolate severely affected fish if possible
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 2.5 in6 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal76 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- All levels
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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