Origin:
Native to the Amazon basin in Bolivia and Brazil, especially in slow-moving rivers and floodplains.

Size:
Up to 8 cm (3 inches)

Lifespan:
4–6 years with proper care

Temperament:
Peaceful, social, and intelligent; suitable for community tanks with similarly calm species

Tank Requirements:

• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
• Aquascape: Sand or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, rocks, and dense vegetation; open swimming areas are also appreciated

Diet:
Omnivorous – accepts high-quality pellets, flakes, frozen/live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Enjoys foraging in substrate.

Behavior:

• Best kept in pairs or small groups
• Peaceful for a cichlid; rarely aggressive unless breeding
• Displays interesting social and territorial behaviors
• Can be shy initially but becomes confident with time

Breeding:

• Substrate spawners; form monogamous pairs
• Lay eggs on flat surfaces (rocks, broad leaves)
• Both parents guard and care for eggs and fry
• Requires stable water conditions and low stress