A striking South American dwarf cichlid known for its metallic sheen and fascinating behavior. While generally peaceful and excellent for community tanks, they exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. Females are infamous for becoming hyper-aggressive 'terrors' when guarding eggs or fry, willing to attack fish many times their size.
Golden Dwarf Cichlid At a Glance
Golden Dwarf Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Golden Dwarf Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Golden Dwarf Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Golden Dwarf Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Golden Dwarf Cichlid Water Parameters
Water care products
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Golden Dwarf Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Golden Dwarf Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are significantly larger and display beautiful metallic green, blue, and gold hues with extended dorsal and anal fins. Can be kept singly or with one or more females. Usually, only one male should be kept per tank unless the aquarium is very large (120cm+).
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Golden Dwarf
Female
Much smaller than males, featuring a yellowish-brown base color that turns into a striking dark checkerboard pattern when breeding. Though peaceful normally, a breeding female has an aggression score of 9+ and will fiercely dominate the bottom of the tank.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Golden Dwarf, Checkerboard
Golden Dwarf Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Golden Dwarf Cichlid, scientifically known as Nannacara anomala, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Golden Dwarf Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 3–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Golden Dwarf Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Golden Dwarf Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Golden Dwarf Cichlid, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Golden Dwarf Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Golden Dwarf Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Golden Dwarf Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Golden Dwarf Cichlid.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Golden Dwarf Cichlid Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Golden Dwarf Cichlid will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Dwarf Cichlid
How big does Golden Dwarf Cichlid get?
Golden Dwarf Cichlid (Nannacara anomala) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Golden Dwarf Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Golden Dwarf Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Golden Dwarf Cichlid need?
Golden Dwarf Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–26°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 3–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Golden Dwarf Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Golden Dwarf Cichlid is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Golden Dwarf Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Golden Dwarf Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Golden Dwarf Cichlid safe with shrimp?
No. Golden Dwarf Cichlid is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Golden Dwarf Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Golden Dwarf Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), leaf litter/blackwater, and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Golden Dwarf Cichlid
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Golden Dwarf Cichlid based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Lesser Spiny Eel
Macrognathus aculeatus
Ideal Tank MatesHalf Banded Spiny Eel
Macrognathus circumcinctus
Ideal Tank MatesFreshwater Sole
Brachirus selheimi
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria lentiginosa
Loricaria lentiginosa
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria lata (L010)
Loricaria lata
Ideal Tank MatesFalse Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus macrocephalus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Golden Dwarf Cichlid
These plants pair well with Golden Dwarf Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Golden Dwarf Cichlid
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid known for its distinct spade-shaped tail and brilliant color morphs. They are bottom-dwelling micro-predators that sift sand for food. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they are highly territorial when breeding. They thrive in soft, acidic blackwater conditions.
Apistogramma Orange-tail
Apistogramma cf. eunotus "Orange-tail"
A beautiful South American dwarf cichlid known for its personality and stunning coloration. They are micropredators that naturally inhabit slow-moving tributaries with sandy bottoms and leaf litter. While generally peaceful towards non-cichlid tank mates (like tetras and pencilfish), they are highly territorial among their own kind and will readily hunt dwarf shrimp.
Checkerboard Cichlid
Dicrossus filamentosus
A striking, slender South American dwarf cichlid known for its distinct black checkerboard pattern along its flanks. Unlike many cichlids, they are exceptionally peaceful community fish. They are strict blackwater species, requiring very soft, acidic water, sand substrate, and leaf litter to thrive.
Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
A large, incredibly colorful, and highly aggressive South American cichlid. Known for their striking metallic green/blue scales and vibrant orange or white tail margins. As their name suggests, they are highly territorial and require very careful tankmate selection, usually only coexisting with other large, robust cichlids or armored catfish in very large tanks.
Dwarf Flag Cichlid
Laetacara curviceps
A small, colorful, and surprisingly peaceful dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon Basin. Known for their 'smiling' facial markings and iridescent blue/green flanks. Unlike many of their larger cousins, they are excellent community fish, though they may become mildly territorial when breeding.
Panda Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma nijsseni
A striking South American dwarf cichlid native to blackwater habitats in Peru. Famous for the female's bright yellow coloration and distinct 'panda' black blotches. Males are larger with a blue-yellow sheen and a red-edged rounded tail. They require soft, acidic water, leaf litter, and fine sand to sift through.