Moderate
Red Breasted Cichlid, Green (Laetacara Aequidens dorsigerus)
20–25°C · pH 6–7 · 80L
£13.99
Red form of the peaceful Red Breasted Cichlid (Laetacara dorsigerus red) — a community-safe dwarf for 60L+ tanks. 20-25C, pH 6.0-7.0.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Laetacara Aequidens dorsigerus red
Red Breasted Cichlid, Red bond and breed in male/female pairs. Buying a pair gives them the social structure they need — and you get a better price per fish.
Red form of the peaceful Red Breasted Cichlid (Laetacara dorsigerus red) — a community-safe dwarf for 60L+ tanks. 20-25C, pH 6.0-7.0.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
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.
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.
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.
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