Curviceps Laetacara Curviceps

Laetacara Curviceps

The Laetacara Curviceps more simply known as the Curviceps cichlid is a beautiful and underrated alternative to the more common dwarf cichlid options like Apistogramma and rams. These fish have a great natural allure, stay relatively small, and make for a great centrepiece fish to add to the smaller display tanks. They will also be a great breeding project or a fantastic fish to add to a South American biotope aquarium. 

The Curviceps cichlid has a really nice, harmonious blend of colours that all work well together whilst also offering the perfect amount of contrast. For their small size, they also sport quite stocky bodies which is why they really are an amazing centrepiece fish. The main colour of the body is a mix of green and brown shades which run from head to trail. Overlaid on this almost camo patterning is an array of powder blue scales that get especially condensed near the mid-section of these fish. They can also be found as stripes near the eyes and on the fins. The fins also showcase flecks of red and orange which really does just tie everything together. The average size of the Curviceps cichlid is only around 10 cm in length.

Breeding the Curviceps cichlid can be a rewarding experience, as they exhibit fascinating breeding behaviour. The female lays her eggs in a cave or crevice, and the male fertilizes them. The female then guards the eggs and fry, while the male defends the territory. This makes them a fantastic breeding project, especially for novice breeders.

Tank Recommendations for your Laetacara Curviceps
A minimum tank size of 70 litres is recommended for these dwarf cichlids. Provide a soft, sandy substrate and plenty of hiding spots, including caves, rocks, and driftwood. Live plants, such as Java Fern or Anubias can be added for additional cover. The water temperature should be maintained between 23-29°C, with a pH level of 6.0-7.0. These are a species that will really love the addition of botanicals which will create a really natural black water look. 

Suitable Tank Buddies
The Curviceps cichlid is generally peaceful and can be housed with a variety of small, non-aggressive tankmates.

Usually Compatible
Small tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Otocinclus, and other community fish.

Sometimes Compatible
Mildly aggressive fish like larger barbs or larger cichlids might cause long-term stress for the Curviceps cichlid. 

Rarely Compatible
Large, aggressive fish species, like Convicts or predatory fish such as Oscars, may harass or even eat the smaller Curviceps cichlid.

Feeding your Laetacara Curviceps 
The Curviceps cichlid is an omnivorous species and will accept a wide range of foods. Provide a varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, black worms, and bloodworms. Especially when conditioning to breed, a ready supply of live foods will be incredibly helpful.