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Contents
Overview
The flag acara (Laetacara curviceps) is a small cichlid from the Amazon basin in Brazil, where it lives in slow-moving creeks, lagoons and flooded areas full of plants and leaf litter.
It grows to about 3 inches (7 cm), with a tall body in blue and green tones, golden highlights, spotted fins and a dark flank blotch. It is also called the "smiling acara" because of its mouth shape and facial markings, which give it a friendly expression. It is one of the most peaceful cichlids around: it leaves small fish alone, barely digs and fits nicely into a planted community tank. A great pick if you want a cichlid without the drama.
Care and tank setup
A pair needs at least a 20-gallon (80 L) tank about 30 inches (80 cm) long. It is a bit shy, so it appreciates dense plants, driftwood and lighting that is not too bright.
- Water: soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral, clean and well oxygenated.
- Decor: fine sand, driftwood, dried leaves, flat stones for spawning and floating plants to diffuse the light.
- Tank mates: tetras, rasboras, corydoras, pencilfish and other peaceful fish. Avoid fast, aggressive species that intimidate it.
When breeding, a pair defends a small territory but rarely causes harm. It may eat dwarf shrimp and their young. It is better to buy several juveniles and let them pair off than to put two random adults together. The most common mistake is a bare, brightly lit tank, where it stays pale and hides.
Feeding
It is an omnivore that eats small invertebrates, larvae and some plant matter in the wild. In the aquarium it takes fine sinking pellets and flakes, rounded out with frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms and mysis.
Two small meals a day. A varied diet improves color and conditions it for spawning.
Breeding
It is an open substrate spawner: the pair cleans a flat stone or large leaf and lays 100 to 300 eggs. Both parents guard the eggs and then the fry, which they sometimes move into small pits in the sand.
In soft, clean, warm water it breeds without much trouble. Fry eat baby brine shrimp as soon as they swim.
Compatible tank mates
Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Flag acara. Calculated from the data in each profile.
Cherry barb Puntius titteya 16 gal (60 L) · 73–81 °F (23–27 °C) 
Tiger barb Puntigrus tetrazona 26 gal (100 L) · 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) 
Betta fish Betta splendens 7 gal (25 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Guppy Poecilia reticulata 14 gal (54 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Platy Xiphophorus maculatus 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Harlequin rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha 16 gal (60 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Ember tetra Hyphessobrycon amandae 11 gal (40 L) · 73–82 °F (23–28 °C) 
Neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii 32 gal (120 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Bristlenose pleco Ancistrus sp. 26 gal (100 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Nerite snail Neritina natalensis 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Horned nerite snail Clithon corona 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) Check the compatibility of your whole tank →
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Flag acara, and why.
- Oscar: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
- Amano shrimp: eats shrimp
- Cherry shrimp: eats shrimp
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Flag acara healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Flag acara need?
At least about 80 liters for a group of at least 2 fish. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Flag acara need?
Between 24 and 28 °C, with a pH of 6 to 7.5.
What fish can live with the Flag acara?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Cherry barb, Tiger barb, Betta fish, Guppy and Platy. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
Can the Flag acara be kept with shrimp?
Not recommended: because of its size or instinct, it will eat shrimp.
