Species profile
Nannacara Anomala
Nannacara anomala
Peaceful
Moderate care
90 L minimum aquarium
4–7 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Legacy 24–28°C range narrowed to the cooler species-specific husbandry range.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–25 °C
pH
6–7.2
GH
2–8 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1.2
Peaceful outside breeding, but brooding females can dominate a small aquarium.
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
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
90 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Nannacara anomala
Alternative names
Goldeneye Cichlid, Golden Dwarf Cichlid
Native range
Guyana and Suriname.
Natural habitat
Slow forest waters with vegetation, roots and leaf litter. Provide sand, plants/wood and visual barriers.
Diet & feeding
Quality cichlid foods supplemented with frozen/live invertebrates and some plant-rich material.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are larger and more colourful; females are smaller and become darker/strongly patterned when brooding.
Breeding
Biparental/open-substrate spawner; the female carries most close brood defence and can become surprisingly aggressive.