If you buy through our links, Amazon pays us a small commission at no extra cost to you. That’s how we keep the site running. How we choose.
Contents
Overview
The golden dwarf cichlid (Nannacara anomala) is a small cichlid from clearwater and blackwater creeks in the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana), where it lives among plants, roots and leaves.
Males reach about 3 inches (7-8 cm) with metallic green and gold sheen and extended fins; the much smaller females change color dramatically when guarding eggs, taking on a bold black-and-yellow checkerboard pattern. It is less famous than rams or apistos but hardier than both and tolerates a wide range of water, which makes it an excellent first dwarf cichlid.
Care and tank setup
A pair does well in a 16-gallon (60 L) tank with a decent footprint; in a community, 20 gallons (80 L) or more is better. A well-planted tank with open areas is ideal.
- Water: soft to moderately hard, acidic to neutral. It tolerates slightly cooler temperatures than other dwarf cichlids, but not sudden swings.
- Decor: sand or fine gravel, driftwood, dried leaves, flat stones and a cave or two. It leaves plants alone.
- Group: a pair, or one male with two females in a larger tank.
It is calm most of the time but turns territorial when breeding; females with fry are especially bold. Good tank mates are small to medium tetras, pencilfish and surface dwellers. Avoid other bottom cichlids in tight quarters. It will eat small shrimp. The most typical mistake is a bare tank with no cover, which leaves it shy and washed out.
Feeding
It is an undemanding omnivore. It accepts fine sinking pellets and flakes and really appreciates frozen or live food: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia and cyclops.
A varied diet brings out the male's metallic sheen. Offer small portions twice a day and make sure food reaches the bottom.
Breeding
It breeds readily. The female lays 100 to 300 eggs on a flat stone, a leaf or inside a cave, and she alone guards the eggs and fry while wearing her checkerboard pattern.
In small tanks it is wise to remove the male after spawning, since the female may attack him. 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 Golden dwarf cichlid. 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) 
Zebra danio Danio rerio 16 gal (60 L) · 64–77 °F (18–25 °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) 
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 Golden dwarf cichlid, and why.
- Discus: incompatible temperatures
- Oscar: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
- Ember tetra: one may eat the other due to size
- Amano shrimp: eats shrimp
- Cherry shrimp: eats shrimp
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Golden dwarf cichlid healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Golden dwarf cichlid need?
At least about 60 liters for a group of at least 2 fish. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Golden dwarf cichlid need?
Between 22 and 27 °C, with a pH of 6 to 7.5.
What fish can live with the Golden dwarf cichlid?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Cherry barb, Tiger barb, Betta fish, Zebra danio and Guppy. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
Can the Golden dwarf cichlid be kept with shrimp?
Not recommended: because of its size or instinct, it will eat shrimp.
