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Dwarf cichlids offer all the personality of larger cichlids, including parental care and complex behavior, in a size that suits a community aquarium. Rams, Apistogramma, kribensis and Nannacara rarely exceed 3 inches (8 cm).
They live near the bottom and claim a small territory, usually around a cave or a piece of driftwood. Outside the breeding season most are peaceful with schooling fish that use the upper and middle water, such as tetras and rasboras. When they spawn they can become pushy toward bottom dwellers, so give corydoras and loaches enough space.
- Water: most South American species want soft, acidic, very clean water and warmth; German blue rams need 80-84 °F (27-29 °C). Bolivian rams and kribensis are more forgiving.
- Tank size: a pair needs 20-30 gallons (80-120 L) with caves, leaves and visual barriers.
- Stocking: one pair or one male with a few females, not several males in a small tank.
Rams are not ideal for a brand-new tank: they are sensitive to nitrate and unstable water. Start with Bolivian rams or kribensis, keep up with weekly water changes of 20-30 %, and feed a varied diet with frozen foods.
Dwarf cichlids
| Species | Min. liters | Size | Temp. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ram cichlid Mikrogeophagus ramirezi | 16 gal (60 L) | 2 in (5 cm) | 79–86 °F (26–30 °C) | Moderate |
 Agassiz's dwarf cichlid Apistogramma agassizii | 16 gal (60 L) | 3.1 in (8 cm) | 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) | Moderate |
 Bolivian ram Mikrogeophagus altispinosus | 26 gal (100 L) | 3.1 in (8 cm) | 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) | Easy |
 Chessboard cichlid Dicrossus filamentosus | 26 gal (100 L) | 3.1 in (8 cm) | 77–84 °F (25–29 °C) | Difficult |
 Cockatoo dwarf cichlid Apistogramma cacatuoides | 16 gal (60 L) | 3.1 in (8 cm) | 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) | Easy |
 Flag acara Laetacara curviceps | 21 gal (80 L) | 2.8 in (7 cm) | 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) | Easy |
 Golden dwarf cichlid Nannacara anomala | 16 gal (60 L) | 2.8 in (7 cm) | 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) | Easy |
 Kribensis Pelvicachromis pulcher | 21 gal (80 L) | 3.5 in (9 cm) | 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) | Easy |
No species match those filters.