Laetacara araguaiae

Scientific Name: Laetacara araguaiae
Common Names: Araguaia Dwarf Acara, Humphead Dwarf Acara, Purple Smiler, Laetacara sp. ‘Buckelkopf’ (pre-2009 description)
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Rio Araguaia, Rio Tocantins, Rio Tapajós, and Rio Xingu basins in central and northern Brazil
Size: Males up to 7–8 cm (2.8–3.1 inches); females slightly smaller, around 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches). Wild specimens typically smaller (max 3.5 cm standard length).
Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care

Rarity: Rare in the aquarium trade, often kept by specialized hobbyists or bred from wild-origin strains.

Pair: Minimum 10 gallons, though 20 gallons long (30x12x12 inches) is ideal for comfort and breeding.
Group (4–6 individuals): 40 gallons or larger to reduce aggression and allow pair formation.

Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel to mimic their natural clear-water river habitat and enhance colors. Add leaf litter (e.g., Indian almond leaves) for a natural, homey feel.

Plants: Use hardy, brackish-tolerant plants like Cryptocoryne wendtii (from your stock), Java fern, or Anubias for dense cover. Floating plants (e.g., water sprite, Salvinia) dim light and reduce stress.

Decor: Include driftwood, roots, and flat stones or slate for breeding surfaces. Caves and dense planting provide hiding spots to ease shyness and reduce aggression. Break lines of sight to minimize territorial disputes.

Position: Occupy the bottom two-thirds of the tank, preferring shaded areas among plants and decor. Pair with upper-level dither fish (e.g., emperor tetras) to make them feel secure.

Compatible with small, peaceful fish like emperor tetras, pencilfish, Corydoras catfish, or hatchetfish. Avoid large, aggressive, or fin-nipping species.
During breeding, pairs may attack tankmates; provide ample space or isolate pairs.
For groups, start with 5–6 juveniles to allow natural pair formation, removing unpaired fish to avoid aggression.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C); avoid exceeding 86°F (30°C) for long periods.
pH: 6.0–7.5 (soft to neutral, not strictly blackwater).

Filtration: Efficient but gentle (e.g., sponge filter or low-flow canister) to mimic slow-moving river waters.

Lighting: Dim to moderate, diffused by floating plants to reduce stress and enhance colors.

Carnivorous, preferring live or frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae. Occasionally accepts high-quality pellets or flakes, but avoid over-reliance on dry food.