
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Nannacara anomala
A small South American cichlid from flooded savannas of the Guianas. Males shimmer blue-green with long fins, while spawning females turn a black checkerboard pattern. Hardy and easy to breed.
Nannacara anomala, the goldeneye cichlid, occurs along the coast from the Aruka River in Guyana to the lower Marowijne in Suriname, often in flooded savannas (FishBase). It reaches 5.6 cm SL. Males are much larger and more colourful than females, with elongated dorsal and anal fins. Females are yellowish but switch to a black checkerboard pattern while guarding eggs and fry, a pattern the young apparently recognise. Only the female tends the brood of up to about 300 eggs, while the male defends the wider territory. One male with several females is recommended. Where several males share a tank, a subordinate male may keep female-like colour and size. Because it breeds so readily, most fish in the trade come from farms in Asia or Eastern Europe, and it is easy to obtain in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Goldeneye cichlid grows to Up to 5.6 cm SL (FishBase).
The ideal temperature for the Goldeneye cichlid is 22〜25℃.
Origin
South America (coastal Guyana to Suriname)
Lifespan
Few reliable data
Size
Up to 5.6 cm SL (FishBase)
Temperature
22〜25℃
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act, nor on the Ministry of the Environment's list of invasive alien species. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Omnivore leaning to meaty foods (pellets, frozen foods, some plant matter)
22-25°C, pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19 dH (FishBase); Seriously Fish gives 22-27°C and pH 5.0-7.5. Adapts to a wide range.
FishBase recommends one male with several females in at least an 80 cm tank. Plant well and add driftwood for cover and spawning sites; each female claims about 40 x 40 cm of floor.
Normally peaceful and fine with most peaceful fish, but a brooding female becomes very aggressive, so breeding in a community tank causes trouble.
Eats worms, crustaceans and insects in the wild. Use pellets as the staple with frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp and some plant matter such as spirulina foods.
Breeds very readily. The female guards eggs and fry and leads the young while showing her checkerboard colours.
Give enough space and cover if keeping several males; subordinate males may stay female-like.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Goldeneye cichlid is 22〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Goldeneye cichlid typically reaches Up to 5.6 cm SL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Goldeneye cichlid feeds on: Omnivore leaning to meaty foods (pellets, frozen foods, some plant matter). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Goldeneye cichlid varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026