Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid
Taeniacara candidi
- Care level
- Specialist
- Adult size
- 4–7 cm
- Minimum tank
- 60 litres
- Temperature
- 25–30 °C
Species profile
Argentine Humphead
Gymnogeophagus balzanii
Common names: Argentine Humphead, Balzani Eartheater
Recognized speciesCichlids
Adult size
Up to 20 cm
Typical adult length 12–20 cm.
Up to 20 cm
Countries of origin
Good fit for your tank?
Good fit for
- Mature planted aquarium setups
- Intermediate shrimp keepers
Think carefully if
- The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
- The tank is newly cycled
- Water conditions change frequently
A subtropical eartheater whose adult males develop a prominent forehead hump and whose females mouthbrood larvae.
Appearance and Identification
Males become deep-bodied with a large nuchal hump, iridescent blue-green scales, and reddish fin markings. Females remain smaller and less hump-backed.
The adult male hump and larvophilic mouthbrooding behaviour are characteristic. It should not be kept permanently at discus-like tropical temperatures.
Males are larger, more colourful, and develop a pronounced nuchal hump. Females are smaller and carry larvae in the mouth.
Tank Requirements
- Suggested filter
- About 1,200–1,500 litres an hour
- Suggested heater
- About 300–450 W for this tank
- Minimum tank volume
- 300 litres
- Minimum tank length
- 120 cm
- Minimum group size
- 5
- Recommended group size
- 6
- Activity level
- Moderate
- Flow preference
- Moderate
- Planting preference
- Moderately planted
- Hiding places
- Yes
- Lid recommended
- Yes
- Jumping risk
- Low
Provide fine sand, rocks, wood, strong filtration, open floor space, and a seasonal cool period. Keep a group so social interactions are distributed.
Behaviour and Tankmates
A generally peaceful eartheater with a social hierarchy and increased pair territoriality during breeding.
Best kept in a group of five or more. Adult males display to one another and females need space to withdraw while mouthbrooding.
Spawning pairs defend a substrate site before the female takes larvae into her mouth.
Suitable with robust subtropical South American fishes. Avoid heat-dependent species, tiny fish, shrimp, and aggressive Central American cichlids.
Water Parameters
This subtropical species benefits from seasonal cooling, often into the high teens or low twenties Celsius, followed by warmer breeding conditions.
Parameter caveat
Permanent high temperature can shorten lifespan and reduce condition. Avoid abrupt cooling and provide high oxygen at warmer temperatures.
Some links may earn us a commission on qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Check suitability, price and availability with the seller. How affiliate links work
Manual aquarium siphon and gravel cleaner
A manual siphon for routine aquarium water changes and accessible waste removal. The seller lists a hose approximately 1.6 m long.
Control the flow and keep the intake clear of fish and delicate planting. Clean the areas appropriate for your substrate and layout rather than disturbing the entire planted bed.
Daraz NepalCheck availability on Daraz
Feeding
- Diet types
- Detritivore, Insectivore, Omnivore
- Feeding frequency
- Daily
- Preferred foods
- Quality sinking cichlid pelletUse a staple pellet appropriate to the fish size and mouth shape.
- Chopped shrimp, mussel, or earthwormOffer clean unseasoned portions as rotating protein foods.
- Blanched leafy greens or peasUseful for omnivorous and plant-eating species; remove leftovers promptly.
- Frozen krill or mysisFeed in moderation to add variety and support colour.
An omnivorous sand-sifter feeding on small invertebrates, detritus, and plant material.
Scatter sinking foods across fine sand. Reduce feeding slightly during the cooler seasonal rest period.
Breeding
- Breeding type
- Egg Layer, Mouthbrooder, Substrate Spawner
- Breeding difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding temperature
- 24 °C
- Breeding pH
- 7
- Brood or egg count
- Commonly 100 to 300 eggs, depending on female size.
- Incubation
- 3 days
- Parental care
- Maternal care
- Baby foods
- Newly hatched brine shrimpSuitable after yolk absorption for most cichlid fry.
- Crushed high-quality cichlid pelletIntroduce gradually as fry grow.
- Finely chopped frozen cyclopsUseful supplementary food for larger fry.
A larvophilic maternal mouthbrooder. Eggs are laid and guarded on the substrate, then the female collects hatched larvae and carries them in her mouth.
Habitat and Origin
- Geographic origin
- Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, South America, Uruguay
- Natural habitat
- Freshwater River, Freshwater Stream, Sand/Mud Substrate
- Aquarium contexts
- Breeding Aquarium, Freshwater Aquarium, Large Freshwater Aquarium, Temperate Aquarium
- Audience level
- Intermediate
Classification
- Profile type
- Recognized species
- Genus
- Gymnogeophagus
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Species group
- Cichlids, Fish, South American Cichlids
Have you kept this species?
You can write a note about what worked for you, or send a photograph. We check everything before it appears here.
Share a note or photo
Bolivian Ram Cichlid
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
- Care level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 6–9 cm
- Minimum tank
- 80 litres
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C
Butterfly Peacock Bass
Cichla ocellaris
- Care level
- Specialist
- Adult size
- 45–75 cm
- Minimum tank
- 1800 litres
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C
Checkerboard Cichlid
Dicrossus filamentosus
- Care level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 5–9 cm
- Minimum tank
- 80 litres
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C