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How to look after
Nannacara anomala
Golden dwarf acara
Regan, 1905

Nannacara anomala - Golden dwarf acara - This pair clearly demonstrate the size and colouration differences of each of the sexes
This pair clearly demonstrate the size and colouration differences of each of the sexes
more images here

(Other members of the genus Nannacara)

ADULT SIZE: 5 cm

WATER CONDITIONS: Moderately soft and acidic

TEMPERATURE RANGE: 23-27 C

FOOD: Feed Nannacara anomala small live-foods and fine grade dried foods

DISTRIBUTION: This species comes from Guyana

AQUARIUM CARE: This peaceful cichlid is ideal for a community tank; thy are not aggressive and will accept most foods. Include some planted areas and caves in their tank decor.

BREEDING: Breeding the Nannacara anomala is relatively simple. Well feed fish breed readily; spawning in a cave (an overturned terracotta flower pot works well). The male fish will guard the territory whilst the female tends the fry.

Have you bred Nannacara anomala? Why not fill in a breeding questionaire?, or examine existing Nannacara anomala breeding reports

Similar species to Nannacara anomala

Other members of the genus Nannacara

Other cichlid species

Other species from Guyana

Nannacara anomala
Golden dwarf acara

This pair clearly demonstrate the size and colouration differences of each of the sexes

This pair clearly demonstrate the size and colouration differences of each of the sexes

A female showing characteristic checkerboard breeding colouration

A female showing characteristic checkerboard breeding colouration


Nannacara anomala
Golden dwarf acara
breeding notes

BREEDING: Breeding the Nannacara anomala is relatively simple. Well feed fish breed readily; spawning in a cave (an overturned terracotta flower pot works well). The male fish will guard the territory whilst the female tends the fry.

Have you bred Nannacara anomala? Why not fill in a breeding questionaire?


This page summarises breeding reports provided by visitors to this site, along with some statistical analysis. Please feel free to contribute - whatever your experience!

3 breeders have filled in breeding reports, a summary of the results are shown in the graphs below. You can read the full reports here.

To add details of your experiences of Nannacara anomala, why not fill in a Breeding and maintenance Report.

Would Nannacara anomala be a good addition to a community tank?
graph1
  1. Never
  2. Doubtful, only with VERY calm fish
  3. Only with species of similar size
  4. Yes, a good community fish

How would you describe the disposition of Nannacara anomala?
graph2
  1. Very timid
  2. Slightly timid
  3. Neutral
  4. Somewhat aggresive on occasions
  5. Very aggressive

In which water conditions do you keep these fish?
graph3
  1. Very soft and acidic
  2. Moderately soft and acidic
  3. Neutral
  4. Moderately hard and alkaline
  5. Very hard and alkaline

At what average temperature?
graph4
  1. 10-15°C
  2. 16-19°C
  3. 20-23°C
  4. 24-27°C
  5. 28°C+

What, if any is the biggest difficulty encountered when breeding these fish?
graph5
  1. Poor egg production
  2. Poor egg survival
  3. Poor fry survival rate
  4. Deformities
  5. Skewed sex ratio

How would you describe sex ratios when breeding Nannacara anomala? If you are unsure please leave this question unanswered.
graph6
  1. Almost all males
  2. Somewhat male heavy
  3. Roughly equal
  4. Somewhat female heavy
  5. Almost all females

In general, how difficult is Nannacara anomala to keep and breed?
graph7
  1. Very easy
  2. Easy
  3. Average
  4. Difficult
  5. Very difficult

How sucessful have you been at breeding Nannacara anomala?
graph8
  1. Very unsucessful
  2. Fairly unsucessful
  3. Average
  4. Fairly sucessful
  5. Very sucessful


Remember, each record represents only one persons experience; if you had different results, or used different methods, please share your experiences


Water conditions: Moderately hard and alkaline Water temperature: 24-27oC
Disposition: Somewhat aggresive on occasions Community tank?: Yes, a good community fish
Spawning Method: Long term (fry appear with adults)Breeding problems:
Poor egg survival
Sex ratio: Somewhat male heavyBreeding difficulty: Average
Sucess: AverageYears Experience: 1
Other Comments: I have had two spawns of nannacara anomala. I maintain a pair in a 40 gallon breeder with ten neon tetras and 8 beckfords pencilfish. Initially the female was agressive towards the male after spawning, as she was protecting her eggs. However both times when the fry became free swimming, both the male and female would parade the fry around the aquarium in seperate groups. I had not known of this behavior existing previously among the species.
Date this record created: 9th May 2019Breeding date: 2019
Breeder: Joey RoldanLocation: Austin, TX

Water conditions: Moderately hard and alkaline Water temperature: 24-27oC
Disposition: Slightly timid Community tank?: Yes, a good community fish
Spawning Method: Long term (fry appear with adults)Breeding problems: none
Sex ratio: Breeding difficulty: Easy
Sucess: AverageYears Experience: 1
Other Comments:
Date this record created: 18th December 2012Breeding date: 2012
Breeder: Location:

Water conditions: Moderately soft and acidic Water temperature: 24-27oC
Disposition: Slightly timid Community tank?: Only with species of similar size
Spawning Method: Other (see below)Breeding problems:
Poor fry survival rate
Sex ratio: Roughly equalBreeding difficulty: Easy
Sucess: AverageYears Experience: 4
Other Comments: Nannacara anomala spawn routinely in the community tank. However, if left unchecked, the fry will be eaten by other fish, specially when the mother is young. I'd suggest raising the fry in a separate tank. This tank should have some leaf litter and moss to feed the fry in the first days. After that they should be fed with Liquifry or similar.
Date this record created: 12th January 2012Breeding date: 2011
Breeder: Location:

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