Species profile

Redbreasted Acara

Laetacara dorsigera

Common names: Redbreasted Acara, Red-Breasted Dwarf Cichlid

Recognized speciesCichlids

Adult size

Up to 8 cm

Typical adult length 5–8 cm.

Up to 8 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Mature planted aquarium setups
Beginner shrimp keepers

Think carefully if

The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
The tank is newly cycled
Water conditions change frequently

A small peaceful cichlid whose adults develop rich red colour across the breast and lower body.

Appearance and Identification

A compact olive cichlid with blue-green iridescence, a dark flank mark, and red to burgundy colour across the chest and belly.

The red breast and flank pattern distinguish it from L. curviceps and related Laetacara, but locality and adult condition help.

Males may be larger and longer-finned. Females often become deeper red and fuller before spawning.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 160–240 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 75–125 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 80 litres
Minimum tank length: 75 cm
Minimum group size: 2
Recommended group size: 2
Activity level: Moderate
Flow preference: Low
Planting preference: Moderately planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Low

Use plants, wood, leaf litter, fine substrate, flat spawning surfaces, and calm tank mates. A compatible pair is suitable for a 75 cm aquarium.

Behaviour and Tankmates

Peaceful and reserved, becoming territorial only during breeding.

Keep as a pair or small group in a larger planted aquarium.

Both parents defend eggs and fry within a small area.

Suitable with peaceful community fish. Shrimplets may be eaten.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 22–28 °C
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 1–15
KH: 0–8
TDS: 30–250
Stability importance: Important

It tolerates soft to moderately hard water and slightly cooler conditions than rams.

Parameter caveat

Maintain stable water and avoid aggressive companions that prevent the fish from feeding.

Feeding

Diet types: Insectivore, Omnivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Live baby brine shrimpUseful for conditioning adults and feeding juveniles; rinse before use.
Daphnia, cyclops, or mosquito larvaeSmall moving prey encourages natural feeding behaviour.
Frozen brine shrimp or mysisOffer thawed portions sized for the fish.
High-quality cichlid micro-pelletUse as part of a varied diet after the fish accepts prepared food.

An omnivorous micropredator accepting small live, frozen, and prepared foods.

Feed varied small portions and include some plant-based material.

Breeding

Breeding type: Egg Layer, Substrate Spawner
Breeding difficulty: Moderate
Breeding temperature: 26 °C
Breeding pH: 6.5
Brood or egg count: Usually 100 to 300 eggs.
Incubation: 3 days
Parental care: Biparental care
Baby foods: Newly hatched brine shrimpPrimary food for free-swimming fry; feed small rinsed portions several times daily.
MicrowormsUseful supplementary food for small fry near the substrate.
Fine powdered fry foodUse sparingly and remove uneaten material.

A biparental substrate spawner. Eggs are laid on a cleaned stone, leaf, or wood surface and guarded by both parents.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, South America
Natural habitat: Freshwater Wetland, Slow River, Vegetated Shoreline
Aquarium contexts: Breeding Aquarium, Freshwater Aquarium, Freshwater Community, Planted Aquarium
Audience level: Beginner

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Laetacara
Family: Cichlidae
Species group: Cichlids, Fish, South American Cichlids

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