Red Breasted Cichlid, Red (Laetacara Aequidens dorsigerus red) - Cichlid Fish for Sale UK

Red runs right through this strain's identity: the red form of the Red Breasted Cichlid (Laetacara dorsigerus red) doubles down on the warm tones the species is loved for, exactly as the name promises. It is a small, bottom-dwelling dwarf cichlid with a temperament our records describe as genuinely peaceful — built for life in a community aquarium rather than a species-only tank, and gentle enough that the compatibility list centres on small, easy-going fish.

Requirements stay refreshingly modest. Sixty litres is the recorded minimum tank size, water should sit at 20–25 °C with pH 6.0–7.0 and hardness no higher than 15 dGH, and an omnivorous diet keeps feeding uncomplicated. Care level is moderate, and the record logs an impressive lifespan of around eight years — a long innings for a dwarf cichlid, and a good reason to get the lower levels of the aquascape right from day one, since that is where this fish spends its time.

What the record emphasises most is actually the avoid list rather than the care sheet. Nothing about the water or the feeding will stretch an ordinary community keeper; the risk sits almost entirely in housing a quiet dwarf with boisterous company that out-muscles it at every meal. Get the social mix right — and the recorded tankmate list makes that easy — and this becomes one of the simplest cichlids we sell, with eight potential years to show for it.

Red-form Laetacara care basics

• Peaceful dwarf cichlid for community tanks
• 60 litres minimum; a bottom-region resident
• Water at 20–25 °C with pH 6.0–7.0 and up to 15 dGH
• Omnivorous, with moderate care needs
• Lifespan recorded at ~8 years

Stock it with small peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, Otocinclus, small peaceful livebearers and other non-aggressive bottom dwellers. Cross off large aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping barbs, highly territorial bottom-dwellers, very small fry or shrimp, and any boisterous or aggressive tankmates.

Choosing between the colour forms

We list both green and red forms of this Laetacara; pick the red where you want maximum warmth low in the aquascape, especially over dark substrate where the colour reads strongest. UK delivery is handled by licensed live-animal courier and covered by our live arrival guarantee.