Who We Are at Red Fish Blue Fish Aquatics, LLc

   The curviceps (Laetacara curviceps), also known as the Dwarf Flag Cichlid or Smiling Acara, is a small, peaceful South American dwarf cichlid native to the slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters of the Amazon iver Basin in Brazil. Reaching a maximum length of about 3 to 3.5 inches (7–9 cm), they are highly regarded for their subtle blue, green, and gold iridescence and their notably calm demeanor, making them an excellent beginner-friendly cichlid for community aquariums. They are famous for forming stable, lifelong monogamous pairs at a very young age. 

 Care Requirements Summary

• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 20 to 30 gallons is required for a bonded pair. A long footprint is preferred over a tall tank because they spend most of their time near the bottom. 
• Water Temperature: Maintain a tropical climate between 74°F and 82°F (23°C to 28°C). 
• pH and Hardness: They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, though captive-bred specimens can adapt to neutral or slightly alkaline conditions if water parameters remain highly stable. 
• Aquarium Setup: Provide a fine sand or fine-gravel substrate alongside heavy planting, driftwood roots, and leaf litter to mimic their natural blackwater habitats. Include flat stones or broad-leafed plants, as they are open-substrate spawners. 
• Filtration & Maintenance: Efficient but gentle filtration is necessary, as they dislike strong currents. They are highly sensitive to poor water conditions and elevated nitrates; perform weekly water changes of 25% to 30%. 
• Diet: As opportunistic omnivores, they readily accept high-quality flake foods and sinking pellets. To bring out their best coloration and vitality, supplement daily with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and Daphnia.
• Temperament & Tankmates: Exceptionally peaceful for a cichlid, they coexist well with small to medium community fish like tetras, hatchetfish, and Corydoras catfish. They will only exhibit territorial aggression directly around their chosen nesting site during active breeding cycles.