Dwarf Flag Cichlid

Laetacara curviceps

Dwarf Flag Cichlid is a bottom-to-middle swimmer. Best kept as a pair.

Semi-AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerBest kept as a pairIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size
30 US gal (114 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level
Intermediate
Temperament
Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone
Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature
72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH
4.5–7.5
GH
5–12 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Best kept as a pair

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 30 US gal (114 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 4.5–7.5, GH 5–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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

Best kept as a pair.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding. Best kept as a pair.

Feeding

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

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 30 US gal (114 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
  • Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
  • Best kept as a pair.
  • Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

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.

Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid Taeniacara candidi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 77–82°F (25–28°C) Agassiz’s Apistogramma Apistogramma agassizii Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Barlow’s Apistogramma Apistogramma barlowi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°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)

FAQ

How large does Dwarf Flag Cichlid get?

Dwarf Flag Cichlid reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Dwarf Flag Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 30 US gal (114 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Dwarf Flag Cichlid peaceful?

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

What temperature is suitable for Dwarf Flag Cichlid?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.

Should Dwarf Flag Cichlid be kept alone or in a group?

Dwarf Flag Cichlid: Best kept as a pair.

Scroll to Top