Nannacara taenia

Known only from an area of the Rio Tocantins basin close to Belém in the state of Pará, Brazil.

Small, densely planted streams.

60 ∗ 38 ∗ 30 cm24 ∗ 15 ∗ 12 in - ~68 litres~18 US gal

Well planted tank with moderate water flow. Bogwood and branches can be used for decor. Sandy subtrate is preferred. Lighting should not be too strong.

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C72 – 82 °F. Middle of this range is ideal.

pH: 6.0 - 7.0 (6.5 is optimum)

Hardness: Up to 10° although, the softer the water is, the better.

Not a fussy eater in captivity and well accept a range of dried and prepared foods. Ensure live and frozen foods such as bloodworm and brineshrimp are offered regularly.

Fairly shy species, so tankmates should be restricted to peaceful community fish. Small tetras, barbs and corydoras catfish are ideal.

Male is the smaller fish. Female has an secondary line running parallel to the main lateral marking. This is absent in the male. The female adopts much darker colouration when inbreeding condition.

Moderately difficult for a cichlid, due to their shy nature it can be a challenge to make the fish feel at ease enough to breed. Unlikely to breed in a community setup therefpre, a breeding tank is best used.

Bring the fish into condition by feeding an abundance of live foods - bloodworm is particularly relished. Once conditioned, the pair will begin displaying to each other in typical dawrf cichlid fashion.

Spawning takes place in a small cave or an inverted plant pot with small hole. Eggs are laid on the wall of the cave or plantpot and are then fertilised by the male. After spawning, the female guards the eggs within the cave and the male assumes responsibility for guarding the wider territory.

Depending on temperature, the eggs hatch in 2 - 4 days and the fry are free swimming around 4 days later. Initial foods offered to the fry should be newly hatched brineshrimp and finely powdered foods.

Nannacara taenia is rarely seen for sale in local aquatic stores. Largely, because it is a fairly unremarkable fish, tending towards a drab brown appearance. You are more likely to obtain this fish through specialist cichlid dealers or amateur enthusiasts.