Matt Clarke reports on this seasonal Dwarf cichlid - Laetacara sp 'Purple gold'
Scientific name:Laetacara sp "Purple gold"
Origin:Imported from Peru
Size:Around 6cm/2.5"
Price:2.75 for a 3cm/2" fish
Water:Neutral or slightly soft and acidic water is best for these fish.
Aquarium:A small tank of 60cm/24" is OK for a pair. These fish mix well with other peaceful tetras and catfishes. Provide plenty of bogwood and plants for cover.
Diet:Bloodworm, brinshrimp, daphinia and flakes are accepted.
Habitat:Said to be found in weedy, swampy regions around large rivers and tributaries.
Availability:Becoming more common in imports from the Peru region.
Notes:This fish is also sold as L. sp. "Bucklekopf". It's not particularily aggressive and will spawn readily when the conditions are right.
Rarity rating:Only available seasonally in shipments from Peru.
This article was first published in the November 2003 of the Practical Fishkeeping Magazine.