Nannacara aureocephalus

Nannacara aureocephalus lives in most of French Guiana and in the Oiapoque basin in Brazil. Adult males are recognized by their stocky build and the intense golden sheen on their heads; in N. anomala this area is green–blue. The male reaches nearly twice the size of the female. Because its juveniles look very similar to N. anomala juveniles, the two species should not be raised together.

• At least 100 liters for one male and several females; a separate area for each female.
• 24–27°C; soft, slightly acidic water is preferred, and breeding becomes easier below pH 6.
• Roots, stones, caves and dense plants; there must be places where the male can hide.

Omnivorous but fond of animal-based foods. It feeds on frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis and sinking granules.

Usually calm in a community aquarium; it becomes territorial during breeding. It spawns on open surfaces; the female takes on the care of the eggs and fry and in the first weeks keeps even the male away from the area. It hunts shrimp.

Good companions: medium-sized tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, bristlenose plecos.

Avoid: shrimp, N. anomala (risk of hybridization), large aggressive cichlids, bottom dwellers in a small aquarium.