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Flag Acara, Laetacara curviceps
South American · Species profile

Flag Acara care

Peaceful dwarf cichlid, territorial only when breeding.

  • Up to about 2 inches, not counting the tailAdult size
  • 68 to 82 FTemperature

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Food

Small live and frozen foods plus quality micro pellets and flakes.

Feeding guide

Tank mates

Small tetras, pencilfish, corydoras, otocinclus.

Compatibility guide

Best setup

A 20 gallon long for a pair. Soft to moderate water, sand, driftwood and leaf litter, with plants and gentle flow. Keep nitrate low with regular water changes.

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In the fish room

Flag Acara in color

Bold color, real personality, natural-looking setups. The look that makes you stop in a great fish store.

Flag Acara, full body
Flag Acara, full body
Flag Acara in the aquarium
Flag Acara in the aquarium
Flag Acara color and form
Flag Acara color and form
South American planted community
South American planted community

Care basics

Laetacara curviceps, sometimes called the flag acara or smiling acara, is a small, calm cichlid with blue spangles and a gentle personality.

Keep a pair in a planted tank with wood and leaf litter, and small peaceful tank mates.

Quick facts

Scientific nameLaetacara curviceps
GroupSouth America
Native toAmazon basin of Brazil
Adult sizeUp to about 2 inches, not counting the tail
Tank sizeA 20 gallon long for a pair
Temperature68 to 82 F
pH4.5 to 7.5
TemperamentPeaceful dwarf cichlid, territorial only when breeding.

Figures follow published species profiles such as Seriously Fish, and tank sizes are general guidance. Individual fish and local water vary, so test your water and ask your fish store about the specific fish you buy.

Where to buy

Where to get Flag Acara

Stores that sell Flag Acara, online and near you. Live stock checks come first, then every store we know carries it.

In stock online right now

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    Sold out at last check (2)

    Stock checked 2:00 PM ET on 2026-10-27. A fish can sell out between checks.

    Stores known to carry Flag Acara

    Sellers whose own websites list Flag Acara. We link straight to their page for it.

    Local fish stores

    Shops from our store finder whose own website or listing shows South and Central American cichlids.

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    Availability changes. Call ahead before you drive or order.

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    Shop the setup

    Shop the Flag Acara setup

    The tank, food, filter, heater and decor that suit Flag Acara, based on the care notes above.

    Product photos link to Amazon so you can compare current prices. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.

    Amazon kits

    Buy the whole setup for this fish

    A complete Amazon cart of gear we recommend for this species. Review every item on Amazon before you buy.

    Buy the whole setup

    29-gallon Apisto / dwarf setup

    A gentle planted-friendly kit for Apistogramma, rams and other dwarfs: 29-gallon, sponge filter, heater, micro pellets and wood.

    Add the whole setup to your Amazon cart (7 items)

    7 Amazon listings in this kit. You review and confirm before buying.

    Opens Amazon so you can review every item and confirm. Product photos link to Amazon so you can compare current prices. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.

    Gear We Recommend

    Gear for Flag Acara

    All gear
    Hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter (Medium)
    Best for: Fry tanks

    Hygger Aquarium Double Sponge Filter (Medium)

    Gentle filtration that will not suck up babies.

    Check price on Amazon
    Hikari Micro Pellets Semi-Floating
    Best for: Rams, apistos and dwarfs

    Hikari Micro Pellets Semi-Floating

    Small enough for little mouths and sinks slowly so everyone eats.

    Check price on Amazon
    San Francisco Bay Brand Frozen Bloodworms Cubes
    Best for: New World cichlids and oddballs

    San Francisco Bay Brand Frozen Bloodworms Cubes

    A weekly treat. Skip bloodworms for mbuna.

    Check price on Amazon
    Aqueon / All Glass 29 Gallon Aquarium
    Best for: Rams, apistos and other dwarfs

    Aqueon / All Glass 29 Gallon Aquarium

    A great first tank for a pair of dwarf cichlids in a planted setup.

    Check price on Amazon

    Only gear with a verified Amazon listing photo is shown. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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