Goldeneye cichlid

Goldeneye cichlid key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 5.6 cm SL (FishBase)

Temperature

22〜25℃

Diet

Omnivore leaning to meaty foods (pellets, frozen foods, some plant matter)

Water Temperature & Quality

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.

Aquarium

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.

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Normally peaceful and fine with most peaceful fish, but a brooding female becomes very aggressive, so breeding in a community tank causes trouble.

Diet & Feeding

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.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Breeds very readily. The female guards eggs and fry and leads the young while showing her checkerboard colours.

Health & Cautions

Give enough space and cover if keeping several males; subordinate males may stay female-like.

About Goldeneye cichlid

Goldeneye cichlid (Nannacara anomala) is a small, hardy dwarf cichlid from the Guiana region. Males are blue-green with long fins, spawning females turn checkered, and adults reach up to 5.6 cm standard length. Beginner-friendly and easy to breed.

7 things to know before welcoming a Goldeneye cichlid

1. 1Small and beginner-friendly

   Its standard length tops out at 5.6 cm, and because it is hardy and easy to breed it is rated beginner-friendly. It does not need an oversized tank, but give it enough floor space to set up several hiding spots.

2. 2Males and females differ

   Males have a shimmering blue-green body and long fins. At spawning time females change to a black checkerboard pattern and can look like a different fish. If you keep a pair, fin length and coloration are useful clues for telling them apart.

3. 3Watch male-to-male conflict

   Cichlids hold territories, and males tend to chase and nip at one another. Keeping a single male with a female or two is the usual approach. If you want more than one male, you need plenty of space and obstacles that break up sight lines.

4. 4Provide caves and plants

   Driftwood, rockwork, aquatic plants, and small terracotta pots give the fish places to retreat and help them settle in. When breeding, the female picks a cave-like spot to spawn and guards the eggs and fry there.

5. 5Choosing tank mates

   Because it is small, avoid housing it with large or aggressive fish. Species that nip fins are also a poor match for the males' long fins. A breeding female may become defensive of her nest, so watch the other fish and adjust when that happens.

6. 6Feeding and routine care

   A small prepared food supplemented with frozen bloodworms or similar meaty items is the usual diet. Uneaten food can foul the water, so feed in small portions. Regular water changes to keep conditions stable are the foundation of good health.

7. 7Prepare before bringing them home

   Set up the tank first with a heater, a filter, and a lid to prevent jumping, and let the temperature and water quality stabilize before the fish arrive. After they arrive, acclimate them slowly and watch their appetite and swimming for a while. Problems such as white spot disease are often linked to sudden changes in the environment, so a calm, stable setup matters.

Frequently asked questions about Goldeneye cichlid

Q.Can beginners keep the Goldeneye cichlid?

A.It is rated beginner-friendly and is a hardy, easy-to-breed dwarf cichlid that suits newcomers. It is still a cichlid with territorial instincts, so be careful about keeping males together and about choosing tank mates.

Q.How large does it get?

A.It is a small species, with a maximum standard length of 5.6 cm (FishBase). Standard length excludes the tail fin, so the total length including the tail will look longer than that figure.

Q.Can it live with other fish?

A.It generally pairs well with calm fish of a similar size, but males toward each other and breeding females can defend their territory. Provide plenty of hiding places and adjust the group based on how the fish behave.

Q.Is breeding difficult?

A.Breeding is considered easy. The female turning to a black checkerboard pattern at spawning time is the sign to look for, and a cave-like shelter makes it easier for her to choose a spawning site. A female guarding eggs or fry can be skittish, so avoid rearranging the tank during that time.

Q.How long does it live?

A.There is little documented information on its lifespan, so a clear figure cannot be given. Keeping the water stable and avoiding stress is the best basis for a long life in your care.

Useful tools for Goldeneye cichlid care

Learn more about Goldeneye cichlid in the encyclopedia

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