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Dwarf goldeneye cichlid (Nannacara anomala) — Cichlidae

Dwarf goldeneye cichlid

Nannacara anomala
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf goldeneye cichlid (Nannacara anomala) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Freshwater of northeastern South America, including the coastal plain of the Guianas.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The goldeneye cichlid is a small cichlid from coastal waters of northeastern South America. The species reaches only about 5.6 cm and is common in flooded savannas of the coastal plain. It feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. Males are larger and more colourful than females, with an iridescent, lattice-like pattern; during brood care females take on a striking dark pattern. The female fiercely guards the eggs and young. The species is popular with aquarists and breeds readily in captivity. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf goldeneye cichlid?

The Dwarf goldeneye cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a marbled pattern. Males with a gold-shining diamond pattern; the female shows a dark breeding pattern and guards the brood.

Where does the Dwarf goldeneye cichlid live?

The Dwarf goldeneye cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Freshwater of northeastern South America, including the coastal plain of the Guianas.

How big does the Dwarf goldeneye cichlid get?

The Dwarf goldeneye cichlid grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Dwarf goldeneye cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf goldeneye cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Dwarf goldeneye cichlid edible?

Yes, the Dwarf goldeneye cichlid is commonly eaten.

More photos

Dwarf goldeneye cichlid (Nannacara anomala) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) fins_and_fur, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Dwarf goldeneye cichlid (Nannacara anomala) — Cichlidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Borkowski.robert (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Dwarf goldeneye cichlid (Nannacara anomala) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) BOILEDIEU, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Dwarf goldeneye cichlid (Nannacara anomala) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Oskar King, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Dwarf goldeneye cichlid verified
Scientific name
Nannacara anomala
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Goldeneye cichlid; Goldeneye dwarf cichlid; Golden-eyed dwarf cichlid; Lattice cichlid; Lattice dwarf cichlid verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Freshwater of northeastern South America, including the coastal plain of the Guianas. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Worms, crustaceans and insects sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Reproduction coincides with the rainy season and floods. inferred
Special features
Males with a gold-shining diamond pattern; the female shows a dark breeding pattern and guards the brood. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nannacara

More from the family Cichlidae

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