Care
In the wild, Nannacara aureocephalus inhabit swamps and slow moving forest creeks where shelter is found amongst the shallows along the banks. These areas are often densely vegetated and little sunlight gets through. To keep these dwarf cichlids in the home aquarium, you must ensure that your water is very soft and acidic and that the tank has been set up for some time, so it is well matured; these fish will not fare well in a new set up. Ideally, try to provide a dark sand substrate and plenty of shady hiding spots amongst driftwood, caves, and dense planting. Floating plants can also be used to help diffuse the light. Peat filtration and the addition of Indian Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa) would be very beneficial in helping to create and maintain the favoured conditions. Like many dwarf cichlids, N. aureocephalus will not tolerate an elevated nitrate level - regular partial water changes are an absolute must for their continued wellbeing. In general, N. aureocephalus are very peaceful, and can be kept with other small peaceable species. However, a word of caution: the female can become extremely aggressive when breeding; this is something to be aware of as such behaviour can cause problems if they are housed as part of a community. Such issues are less likely to arise in larger tanks with an abundance of visual barriers amongst the décor. It is usually advisable to keep just one male and one female together. If wishing to house more than one female, the tank must be of much roomier proportions. Although this is a relatively small species, the females will require good sized territories ideally a couple of feet (60cm) apart.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, cyclops, and daphnia.
Breeding
This species has been bred in the home aquarium, although it is moderately challenging. Up to 100 eggs are deposited on the ceiling of a small rocky cave or flowerpot and sometimes even out in the open on broad leaved plants or flat pieces of decor. The female will vigorously defend this area, even against the male. It is of utmost importance that the tank has sufficient space and hiding places, as it is not unknown for Nannacara sp. females to kill the male in the confines of an undersized aquarium when guarding eggs. The eggs should hatch within 48-96 hours, depending on temperature.
