Family: Cichlidae.
Origin: Central Amazon and tributaries.
Max Size: 6 inches.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Sociability: Young fish form shoals, but adults become territorial when spawning. They may eat fish that are a lot smaller than themselves.
Environment: They prefer soft acidic water, but they have become toleralnt of a wide range of water conditions due to becoming domesticated over many generations.
Climate: Tropical, 77F to 82F.
Diet: Live food, Flake, they are not fussy.
Breeding: Can be difficult to get a good quality pair that are relilable parents. Rearing without the parents is a safer option.
Sexual Characteristics: Difficult to tell, only when the fish breed can you be really sure.
Availability: Very common.
Further Information: One of the main stays of the hobby.
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