Key Features:

Distinctive Appearance: A vibrant dwarf cichlid known for its striking fire-red and orange tones, often with iridescent blue accents along the fins and face. Males are especially colorful, with elongated fins and more intense coloration compared to females.
Graceful Swimmer: Displays a mix of hovering and darting movements, often staying close to planted areas or cave structures, adding dynamic yet elegant motion to the aquarium.
Behavior: Intelligent and mildly territorial, especially during breeding, but generally considered peaceful compared to larger cichlids.

Care Requirements:

Tank Conditions:
Requires a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots such as caves, driftwood, and leaf litter. Ideal water temperature is 75–82°F (24–28°C), with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water preferred. Stable water conditions are essential for health and coloration.

Diet:
Carnivorous/omnivorous. Thrives on a varied diet including high-quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Protein-rich foods help enhance coloration.

Compatibility:
Generally peaceful but can become territorial, particularly males or breeding pairs. Best kept with other calm, small fish such as tetras, rasboras, or bottom dwellers like Corydoras. Avoid aggressive or overly active tank mates.

Size and Growth:

Adult Size:
Typically reaches 3–4 cm for females and up to around 5–7 cm for males, depending on conditions.

Growth:
Grows steadily under optimal care, with juveniles maturing relatively quickly when provided with warm, stable water and a protein-rich diet. Color intensity improves significantly as they mature.