Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid

Taeniacara candidi

Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid is a middle swimmer.

Territorial, especially among adult males and when breeding.Middle swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

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Need help with Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.5" (≤ 6.4 cm)
Aquarium size: 14 US gal (53 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Territorial, especially among adult males and when breeding.
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 81–86°F (27–30°C)
pH: 4.5–5.8
GH: 0–1 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (53 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 27–30 °C, pH 4.5–5.8, GH 0–1 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer small live or frozen invertebrate foods; some captive individuals refuse dry processed feeds.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (53 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma eunotus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6.1 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid get?

Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid reaches ≤ 2.5" (≤ 6.4 cm).

What aquarium size does Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (53 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.

Is Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid peaceful?

Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid?

Keep it between 27 to 30 °C.