Redbreast Acara

Laetacara dorsigera

Also known as Redbreast Dwarf Cichlid, Dorsal-Spot Dwarf Cichlid

Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Cichlidae

The Redbreast Acara is a small, colorful South American cichlid prized for its peaceful temperament and striking red coloration on the breast and gill covers. This hardy fish is ideal for beginner to intermediate aquarists and displays interesting behavioral patterns including substrate sifting and pair bonding. They are excellent community fish that add vibrant color and personality to planted or decorated aquariums.

Where it's from

Native to the Amazon, Parana and Uruguay river basins

Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay

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: 5-8 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Feed small high-quality pellets as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Offer varied diet to enhance coloration and maintain health. Feed small portions once or twice daily, only what can be consumed in 2-3 minutes.

Behavior

Redbreast Acaras are active bottom dwellers that enjoy sifting through substrate in search of food, which helps aerate the tank. They are generally peaceful but may show mild territorial behavior during breeding season. These fish are curious and interactive, often recognizing their owners and displaying playful behavior.

Breeding

Breeding is moderately easy in well-established tanks with proper conditions. Pairs form strong bonds and will guard eggs and fry aggressively. Provide caves or PVC pipes as spawning sites, maintain slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5), and reduce water temperature slightly to trigger spawning. Remove fry to a separate rearing tank after free-swimming stage.

Tank mates

See all 6

Neon Tetra

Small tetras are generally safe but may be viewed as food if very small

good

Corydoras Sterbai

Bottom dwellers that share similar water parameters and peaceful nature

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Similar size and peaceful temperament make them compatible tank mates

good

Harlequin Rasbora

Schooling fish that occupy mid-water zone and are peaceful

good

Otocinclus

Algae eaters that are peaceful and occupy different ecological niche

excellent

Fits a 20-gallon tank Beginner-friendly Peaceful

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: Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CC BY 4.0); Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).