Red Breasted Acara
Laetacara dorsigera
A peaceful and colorful dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon and Paraná River basins. Known for the stunning purple/red belly and face they develop, particularly when in spawning condition. Unlike many cichlids, they are relatively gentle and plant-safe, making them excellent centerpieces for community aquariums. They are exceptionally tolerant of cooler water temperatures.
Red Breasted Acara At a Glance
Red Breasted Acara Tank Requirements
Will Red Breasted Acara fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Red Breasted Acara needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Red Breasted Acara against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Red Breasted Acara Water Parameters
Red Breasted Acara Temperament & Compatibility
Red Breasted Acara Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are slightly larger with more pointed dorsal and anal fins. While generally peaceful for a cichlid, they will establish and defend a territory near the substrate, especially during breeding.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Acara
Female
Females are smaller with more rounded fins and typically feature a dark patch with white flecks on the central base of their dorsal fin. They form strong pair bonds and are generally less territorial than males.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Acara
Red Breasted Acara Care Guide Summary
The Red Breasted Acara, scientifically known as Laetacara dorsigera, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Red Breasted Acara 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 20°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Red Breasted Acara 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.
Red Breasted Acara Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Red Breasted Acara, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom 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.
Red Breasted Acara Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Red Breasted Acara 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 mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Red Breasted Acara Is Actually For
Red Breasted Acara is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Red Breasted Acara like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Red Breasted Acara Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Red Breasted Acara.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Red Breasted Acara Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Red Breasted Acara 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Breasted Acara
How big does Red Breasted Acara get?
Red Breasted Acara (Laetacara dorsigera) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Red Breasted Acara need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Red Breasted Acara. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Red Breasted Acara need?
Red Breasted Acara thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Red Breasted Acara peaceful or aggressive?
Red Breasted Acara is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Red Breasted Acara live alone?
Yes, Red Breasted Acara can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Red Breasted Acara safe with shrimp?
No. Red Breasted Acara 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 Red Breasted Acara have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Red Breasted Acara benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), plants - densely covered, and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Red Breasted Acara
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Red Breasted Acara based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Tandanus Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
Ideal Tank MatesStarlight Bristlenose Pleco (L183)
Ancistrus dolichopterus
Ideal Tank MatesSpotted Raphael Catfish
Agamyxis pectinifrons
Ideal Tank MatesLesser Spiny Eel
Macrognathus aculeatus
Ideal Tank MatesHalf Banded Spiny Eel
Macrognathus circumcinctus
Ideal Tank MatesFreshwater Sole
Brachirus selheimi
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Red Breasted Acara
These plants pair well with Red Breasted Acara 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 Red Breasted Acara
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.
Yellow Acara
Aequidens metae
A medium-sized, relatively peaceful South American cichlid native to the Meta River basin. They possess a yellowish-brown body with distinct dark vertical barring and iridescent spangling. While less aggressive than many other cichlids, they are territorial, especially during spawning, and will readily consume fish small enough to fit in their mouths.
Black Acara
Cichlasoma bimaculatum
A hardy, adaptable, and robust South American cichlid. They are relatively peaceful compared to larger cichlids but become highly territorial when breeding. Known for their oval-shaped body, greyish-green coloration, and a distinct black mid-lateral spot. They naturally sift through the substrate and require sandy bottoms.
Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
A stunning and relatively peaceful South American cichlid. While they possess classic cichlid traits—such as digging and territoriality during breeding—they are generally far more tolerant of tank mates than their larger cousins (like the Green Terror). They will, however, eagerly consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras).
Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma trifasciata
A stunning dwarf cichlid native to the Guaporé and Paraguay river basins in South America. They are renowned for their striking metallic blue sheen and the male's spectacular sail-like dorsal fin. As peaceful micropredators, they are excellent for planted community tanks, but require soft, acidic water, stable parameters, and a fine sand substrate to sift through.
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
A vibrant and highly popular dwarf cichlid native to the slow-moving rivers of West Africa. Unlike Rift Lake African cichlids, they prefer soft, slightly acidic water and densely planted tanks. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but become fiercely territorial and aggressive when breeding, often digging pits in the substrate and claiming the bottom zone. They are cave spawners and require hiding spots like driftwood or coconut shells.