Dwarf Flag Cichlid (Laetacara Curviceps)

Available in store

Description

Dwarf Flag Cichlid (Laetacara Curviceps)

Gentle, colourful and packed with understated South American charm, the Dwarf Flag Cichlid is an excellent alternative to the more commonly kept Rams and Apistogramma. With shimmering blue-green scales, warm red tones and fascinating pair-bonding behaviour, Laetacara curviceps delivers genuine cichlid personality in a small, generally peaceful package.

Quick Facts

  • Brand: Nano Tanks Australia Aquarium Shop
  • Product type: Cichlids
  • Size / Capacity: 5 cm
  • Suitable for: Species-appropriate, established aquariums

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • Your aquarium is fully cycled and stable.
  • Adult size, social needs and compatibility have been checked.
  • You can provide the correct water conditions, diet and habitat.
  • You can receive and acclimate live livestock promptly.

❌ Consider something else if:

  • The aquarium is new, uncycled or unstable.
  • Compatibility or long-term space has not been confirmed.
  • You cannot meet the species-specific husbandry requirements.

Why choose Dwarf Flag Cichlid (Laetacara Curviceps)?

It provides a clearly identified livestock option that can be assessed against your aquarium.

Matching adult size, behaviour and water needs helps prevent avoidable stress.

A planned addition is easier to acclimate, feed and monitor.

It is preferable to a similar-looking species when its long-term needs better suit your setup.

Key Benefits

  • Planned selection – Supports matching livestock to a suitable aquarium.
  • Aquarium suitability – Can become a rewarding part of a properly planned community.
  • Clear checks – Encourages confirmation of size, water and compatibility.
  • Long-term care – Keeps husbandry ahead of impulse selection.
  • Specialist support – NTA can help clarify suitability before ordering.

Specifications

  • Capacity / Size: 5 cm
  • Shopify category: Live Animals

Specifications may vary by model or manufacturer revision. Please check the selected variant where applicable.

What's included?

  • The selected live livestock variant.
  • Protective packing appropriate to the available fulfilment method.
  • Care or acclimation guidance where supplied.
  • Only items explicitly stated in the listing are included.

Setup & Use

  1. Prepare and test the aquarium before arrival.
  2. Inspect the package and follow current NTA acclimation guidance.
  3. Introduce the livestock calmly with reduced lighting where appropriate.
  4. Observe behaviour and compatibility closely.
  5. Maintain stable water and feed an appropriate diet.

Maintenance

Regular inspection and appropriate care help keep this product or livestock in suitable condition.

  • Test water regularly.
  • Maintain stable, species-appropriate parameters.
  • Feed controlled portions of a suitable diet.
  • Monitor growth, behaviour and compatibility.

Pairs perfectly with

  • A reliable water test kit.
  • Species-appropriate food.
  • Water conditioner.
  • Suitable plants, caves or cover.
  • A quarantine or observation setup where appropriate.
NTA Insight:
Check the adult animal, not only the size offered today. Adult size, social needs and behaviour are often the deciding factors.

Before You Buy

Compatibility: Confirm the exact product, variant, livestock and system compatibility before ordering.

Sizing: Use verified dimensions, actual aquarium volume and the intended application rather than relying on appearance alone.

Installation: Check access, placement, connections and safe operating requirements before use.

Replacement parts: Availability varies by product and manufacturer; confirm the exact model or SKU when a replacement is essential.

FAQ

Are Dwarf Flag Cichlids peaceful?

Yes, they are considered one of the more peaceful dwarf cichlids. However, they remain cichlids and can become territorial when forming pairs, spawning or protecting young.

How large do Dwarf Flag Cichlids grow?

Adults generally reach approximately 7–8 cm, with males usually becoming somewhat larger and more robust than females.

Can I keep a pair together?

Yes. A compatible male and female pair can make an excellent display. However, simply purchasing two fish does not guarantee that they will form a compatible pair, so provide sufficient space, hiding places and visual barriers.

How can I tell males and females apart?

Sexual differences can be subtle, particularly in juveniles. Mature males generally become larger and may develop more extended finnage, while females tend to remain slightly smaller and can become noticeably fuller when carrying eggs.

Are they easier to keep than German Blue Rams?

They are often considered somewhat more forgiving than Mikrogeophagus ramirezi , particularly regarding very high temperatures. They still require clean, stable water and should not be treated as indestructible beginner fish.

What should I feed them?

A varied omnivorous diet works well. Offer premium dwarf cichlid pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia.

Can Dwarf Flag Cichlids live with shrimp?

Adult shrimp may sometimes coexist with them in heavily planted aquariums, but small shrimp and shrimplets are potential prey. They are not recommended where maximising shrimp reproduction is the priority.

Can they breed in an aquarium?

Yes. Dwarf Flag Cichlids are substrate spawners and compatible pairs may deposit eggs on a cleaned rock, leaf or other suitable surface. Both parents can participate in guarding the eggs and subsequently caring for the fry.

What does Dwarf Flag Cichlid (Laetacara Curviceps) do?

Dwarf Flag Cichlid (Laetacara Curviceps) is intended for species-appropriate, established aquariums. Check the selected option and listing details against your needs.

What aquarium size is it suitable for?

Use any verified rating in the Specifications section as a starting point. If no rating is stated, contact NTA when tank size is the deciding factor.

Is this the right model for my aquarium?

Confirm purpose, physical fit, capacity and compatibility before ordering.

What's included in the box?

Only the selected product and components explicitly stated in the current listing are included.

Dwarf Flag Cichlid (Laetacara Curviceps)

Available in store

Product form

Out of stock,  

$25.00


All prices include GST
Is Online Fish Ordering Right for You?
    • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    • Live Guaranteed to your Home or Office
    • Price Match Available

    Description

    Dwarf Flag Cichlid (Laetacara Curviceps)

    Gentle, colourful and packed with understated South American charm, the Dwarf Flag Cichlid is an excellent alternative to the more commonly kept Rams and Apistogramma. With shimmering blue-green scales, warm red tones and fascinating pair-bonding behaviour, Laetacara curviceps delivers genuine cichlid personality in a small, generally peaceful package.

    Quick Facts

    • Brand: Nano Tanks Australia Aquarium Shop
    • Product type: Cichlids
    • Size / Capacity: 5 cm
    • Suitable for: Species-appropriate, established aquariums

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • Your aquarium is fully cycled and stable.
    • Adult size, social needs and compatibility have been checked.
    • You can provide the correct water conditions, diet and habitat.
    • You can receive and acclimate live livestock promptly.

    ❌ Consider something else if:

    • The aquarium is new, uncycled or unstable.
    • Compatibility or long-term space has not been confirmed.
    • You cannot meet the species-specific husbandry requirements.

    Why choose Dwarf Flag Cichlid (Laetacara Curviceps)?

    It provides a clearly identified livestock option that can be assessed against your aquarium.

    Matching adult size, behaviour and water needs helps prevent avoidable stress.

    A planned addition is easier to acclimate, feed and monitor.

    It is preferable to a similar-looking species when its long-term needs better suit your setup.

    Key Benefits

    • Planned selection – Supports matching livestock to a suitable aquarium.
    • Aquarium suitability – Can become a rewarding part of a properly planned community.
    • Clear checks – Encourages confirmation of size, water and compatibility.
    • Long-term care – Keeps husbandry ahead of impulse selection.
    • Specialist support – NTA can help clarify suitability before ordering.

    Specifications

    • Capacity / Size: 5 cm
    • Shopify category: Live Animals

    Specifications may vary by model or manufacturer revision. Please check the selected variant where applicable.

    What's included?

    • The selected live livestock variant.
    • Protective packing appropriate to the available fulfilment method.
    • Care or acclimation guidance where supplied.
    • Only items explicitly stated in the listing are included.

    Setup & Use

    1. Prepare and test the aquarium before arrival.
    2. Inspect the package and follow current NTA acclimation guidance.
    3. Introduce the livestock calmly with reduced lighting where appropriate.
    4. Observe behaviour and compatibility closely.
    5. Maintain stable water and feed an appropriate diet.

    Maintenance

    Regular inspection and appropriate care help keep this product or livestock in suitable condition.

    • Test water regularly.
    • Maintain stable, species-appropriate parameters.
    • Feed controlled portions of a suitable diet.
    • Monitor growth, behaviour and compatibility.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • A reliable water test kit.
    • Species-appropriate food.
    • Water conditioner.
    • Suitable plants, caves or cover.
    • A quarantine or observation setup where appropriate.
    NTA Insight:
    Check the adult animal, not only the size offered today. Adult size, social needs and behaviour are often the deciding factors.

    Before You Buy

    Compatibility: Confirm the exact product, variant, livestock and system compatibility before ordering.

    Sizing: Use verified dimensions, actual aquarium volume and the intended application rather than relying on appearance alone.

    Installation: Check access, placement, connections and safe operating requirements before use.

    Replacement parts: Availability varies by product and manufacturer; confirm the exact model or SKU when a replacement is essential.

    FAQ

    Are Dwarf Flag Cichlids peaceful?

    Yes, they are considered one of the more peaceful dwarf cichlids. However, they remain cichlids and can become territorial when forming pairs, spawning or protecting young.

    How large do Dwarf Flag Cichlids grow?

    Adults generally reach approximately 7–8 cm, with males usually becoming somewhat larger and more robust than females.

    Can I keep a pair together?

    Yes. A compatible male and female pair can make an excellent display. However, simply purchasing two fish does not guarantee that they will form a compatible pair, so provide sufficient space, hiding places and visual barriers.

    How can I tell males and females apart?

    Sexual differences can be subtle, particularly in juveniles. Mature males generally become larger and may develop more extended finnage, while females tend to remain slightly smaller and can become noticeably fuller when carrying eggs.

    Are they easier to keep than German Blue Rams?

    They are often considered somewhat more forgiving than Mikrogeophagus ramirezi , particularly regarding very high temperatures. They still require clean, stable water and should not be treated as indestructible beginner fish.

    What should I feed them?

    A varied omnivorous diet works well. Offer premium dwarf cichlid pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia.

    Can Dwarf Flag Cichlids live with shrimp?

    Adult shrimp may sometimes coexist with them in heavily planted aquariums, but small shrimp and shrimplets are potential prey. They are not recommended where maximising shrimp reproduction is the priority.

    Can they breed in an aquarium?

    Yes. Dwarf Flag Cichlids are substrate spawners and compatible pairs may deposit eggs on a cleaned rock, leaf or other suitable surface. Both parents can participate in guarding the eggs and subsequently caring for the fry.

    What does Dwarf Flag Cichlid (Laetacara Curviceps) do?

    Dwarf Flag Cichlid (Laetacara Curviceps) is intended for species-appropriate, established aquariums. Check the selected option and listing details against your needs.

    What aquarium size is it suitable for?

    Use any verified rating in the Specifications section as a starting point. If no rating is stated, contact NTA when tank size is the deciding factor.

    Is this the right model for my aquarium?

    Confirm purpose, physical fit, capacity and compatibility before ordering.

    What's included in the box?

    Only the selected product and components explicitly stated in the current listing are included.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

    Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Nano Tanks Australia, Powered by Shopify

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Google Pay
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account