Species profile
Laetacara Curviceps
Laetacara curviceps
Peaceful
Moderate care
70 L minimum aquarium
4–7 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Small, relatively gentle acara well suited to calm planted communities. Use fine substrate, wood, leaf litter and plenty of visual cover.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
5–7.5
GH
Up to 15 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
Low
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.9
Usually peaceful but a pair will defend its spawn. Avoid aggressive cichlids and overly frantic tankmates.
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
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
70 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Laetacara curviceps
Alternative names
Dwarf Flag Acara, Flag Acara
Native range
Lower Amazon basin in Brazil.
Natural habitat
Slow clearwater habitats with vegetation and leaf litter. Gentle circulation and shaded cover are appropriate.
Diet & feeding
Feed small quality pellets/flakes with varied frozen/live invertebrate foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexual differences are subtle; males may become slightly larger with more extended fins. A compatible mature pair is more reliable than visual guessing.
Breeding
Biparental open-substrate spawner. A pair uses a flat surface and jointly guards eggs and fry.