Laetacara sp Purple Gold

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.