Tank Talk Magazine December 2010 | Page 14

In the aquarium Dwarf smiling acaras are a relatively shy and peaceful cichlid species, suitable for beginners. Pairs can be housed in community aquariums with other community species such as tetras. Can be used in scenarios where Apistogramma would be used. Dither fish like guppies or tetras will help to make this species more confident. Equipment, decor and Aquarium Size A 2ft or larger aquarium is suitable for a pair. Larger aquariums will be needed for a group or multiple pairs. Include lots of live plant; including floating plants like foxtail or water sprite driftwood and rocks, fine substrate (3mm). Water Parameters Can be sensitive to toxins excellent water quality is important. Enjoys soft, black-water type conditions, use driftwood and peatmoss extract to simulate this. NOTE: This fish is adaptable to community conditions and does not require black-water to survive. Feeding Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and blood worm, high quality pellet and flake such as “Prestige Growth” or “colour bites”. Breeding Smiling dwarf acaras are monogamous open substrate spawner preferring flat rocks to spawn on. Males will darken in colour when courting/spawning High level of parental care of fry, care of fry will continue months after spawning. References www.seriouslyfish.com www.lem.net By Christine Morton