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Golden dwarf cichlid (Nannacara aureocephalus) — Cichlidae

Golden dwarf cichlid

Nannacara aureocephalus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Golden dwarf cichlid (Nannacara aureocephalus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0.0–? m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northern South America; swamps and standing forest streams.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The golden dwarf cichlid is a dwarf cichlid (Cichlidae) from northern South America. The species is small; courting males have a gold-shining head, to which the name refers, while females are plainer. It inhabits swamps and stagnant forest creeks, where it finds shelter in very shallow bank zones with little flow. As an omnivore it picks small invertebrates and organic material from the bottom. The female tends the brood carefully. It is popular in the aquarium hobby and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Golden dwarf cichlid?

The Golden dwarf cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Courting male with a golden-sheened head; caring, brood-tending dwarf cichlid of forest streams.

Where does the Golden dwarf cichlid live?

The Golden dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern South America; swamps and standing forest streams.

How big does the Golden dwarf cichlid get?

The Golden dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Golden dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Golden dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Golden dwarf cichlid edible?

The Golden dwarf cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Golden dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Nannacara aureocephalus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Natural range
Northern South America; swamps and standing forest streams. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and organic material from the bottom sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Courting male with a golden-sheened head; caring, brood-tending dwarf cichlid of forest streams. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

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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