Key Features:

Distinctive Appearance:
A beautiful dwarf cichlid prized for its vibrant red, gold, and orange coloration, accented by iridescent blue highlights on the fins and face. Males develop elongated dorsal and tail fins with more intense colors, while females are smaller with softer yellow-gold tones.

Graceful Swimmer:
Displays a combination of slow hovering and quick darting movements, often exploring caves, driftwood, and densely planted areas. Its elegant behavior and vivid colors make it a standout feature in planted aquariums.

Behavior:
Intelligent and generally peaceful, though mildly territorial, especially during breeding. Establishes small territories around caves and shelters but coexists well with other peaceful community fish when provided with sufficient space.

Care Requirements:

Tank Conditions:

Requires a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places, including caves, driftwood, and leaf litter. Ideal water temperature is 75–82°F (24–28°C), with soft to moderately soft, slightly acidic to neutral water preferred. Stable water conditions and excellent filtration help maintain 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 enhances coloration and supports healthy growth.

Compatibility:

Generally peaceful but can become territorial, particularly males or breeding pairs. Best kept with other calm, small fish such as tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, and Corydoras. Avoid aggressive or highly active tank mates that may cause stress.

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 proper care, with juveniles reaching maturity in approximately 6–8 months. Consistent water quality, warm temperatures, and a varied protein-rich diet promote healthy development and bring out the species' striking red and gold coloration.