fish · Cichlidae
Flag acara
Laetacara curviceps
Wild range: Amazon River Basin (South America)
At a glance: Flag acara care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Flag acara?
The compiled profile lists 22.0–28.0 °C for Flag acara (Laetacara curviceps). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Flag acara?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 20.0 US gallons (75.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Flag acara?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 5.5–7.8. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Natural habitat
Laetacara curviceps is found in the lower portions of tributaries of the Amazon River Basin in Brazil, where it thrives in soft, acidic waters dominated by dense vegetation. This environment provides ample hiding spots and breeding substrates like flat stones and leaves.
Where they are found
They thrive in a range of water conditions typically found in their native region, which is characterized by soft, acidic waters and moderate temperatures. Environmental conditions vary across their natural range but consistently support their growth and breeding behavior.
Aquarium care
To maintain Laetacara curviceps in an aquarium, ensure a minimum tank size of 75 liters (20 gallons). Provide gentle filtration, regular water changes of at least 25% weekly, use sand or gravel substrate, and add plants for cover. They are relatively hardy but thrive best in slightly acidic water with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Regular monitoring of water quality is crucial due to their production of waste.
Feeding
An omnivorous species, Laetacara curviceps enjoys a varied diet including high-quality flake foods, pellets, and live foods such as brine shrimp or worms. This diverse diet contributes to their overall health and enhances breeding conditioning.
Compatibility
Laetacara curviceps is suitable for community tanks with peaceful fish. They may exhibit territorial behavior during spawning but can coexist well with larger Tetras and bottom-feeding species like Corydoras.
Breeding
Breeding occurs when the males clean spawning sites, usually on flat surfaces like rocks or substrate. After spawning, the parents guard the eggs and protect the fry until they are independent. It's a rewarding experience for aquarists to witness the breeding behavior of these fish.
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.