Species profile
Flag Acara
Laetacara dorsigera
Peaceful
Easy care
80 L minimum aquarium
5–8 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Small, colourful acara. Good choice for peaceful South American communities.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
18–26 °C
pH
5–7
GH
Up to 15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 2
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1.1
Small, generally peaceful cichlid. Compatible pairs defend a compact territory while breeding but are otherwise suited to calm community setups.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
80 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Laetacara dorsigera
Alternative names
Flag Acara, Redbreast Acara, Dorsiger Cichlid
Native range
South America: Guaporé drainage and the Paraguay/middle Paraná systems of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.
Natural habitat
Quiet warm-to-seasonal freshwater margins with soft substrate, plant/wood cover and low current. Fine sand and leaf litter suit natural foraging.
Diet & feeding
Small benthic omnivore/invert feeder; offer fine sinking pellets and varied frozen/live foods with some plant content.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females are usually smaller and show a more rounded belly; breeding colour intensifies in both sexes, making casual sexing difficult.
Breeding
Biparental substrate spawner. Pairs clean a stone, leaf or sheltered surface and guard eggs and fry.