Key Features:

Distinctive Appearance:
A striking dwarf cichlid admired for its golden-yellow body, bold black facial markings, and iridescent blue highlights along the fins. Males develop extended dorsal and tail fins with more vibrant coloration, while females display brighter yellow tones, especially during breeding.

Graceful Swimmer:
Displays a calm mix of hovering and short darting movements, often staying close to caves, driftwood, and densely planted areas. Its elegant swimming behavior adds natural beauty and activity to the aquarium.

Behavior:
Intelligent and generally peaceful, though mildly territorial, particularly during breeding. Forms territories around caves and hiding spots but coexists well with other small, peaceful fish when provided with adequate space.

Care Requirements:

Tank Conditions:

Requires a well-planted aquarium with plenty of caves, driftwood, leaf litter, and hiding places. Ideal water temperature is 75–82°F (24–28°C), with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water preferred. Stable water parameters and good filtration are essential for maintaining health and vibrant coloration.

Diet:

Carnivorous/omnivorous. Thrives on a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small live or frozen foods. A protein-rich diet helps enhance coloration and supports healthy growth.

Compatibility:

Generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially males or breeding pairs. Best kept with other calm community fish such as small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, and Corydoras. Avoid aggressive, boisterous, or much larger tank mates.

Size and Growth:

Adult Size:

Typically reaches 3–4 cm for females and 5–7 cm for males under ideal conditions.

Growth:

Grows steadily under optimal care, with juveniles reaching maturity in approximately 6–8 months. Warm, stable water conditions and a varied, protein-rich diet encourage healthy development and bring out the species' brilliant yellow and blue coloration.