Dwarf Flag Cichlid

Laetacara curviceps

Dwarf Flag Cichlid is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.

Semi-AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate

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Need help with Dwarf Flag Cichlid?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 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: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 4.5–7.5
GH: 1–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

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 20–28 °C, pH 4.5–7.5, GH 1–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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

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.

Feeding

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

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.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil.

Important notes

Treat pair care as conditional; a five-fish minimum and an 80-cm/114-L tank requirement are not independently documented in the inspected species profile.

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 ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°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) Argentine Humphead Gymnogeophagus balzanii Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm) 70–77°F (21–25°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 Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 11.9 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°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)

FAQ

How large does Dwarf Flag Cichlid get?

Dwarf Flag Cichlid reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 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 20 to 28 °C.