Golden Eye Dwarf Cichlid
Pickup currently unavailable at Napier
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
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The Golden Eye Dwarf Cichlid (Nannacara anomala) is a small, attractive South American cichlid known for its shimmering blue-green body and distinctive golden eye. This species is popular among aquarists for its manageable size, interesting behaviour, and suitability for well-planted aquariums.
Males display vibrant metallic colours, particularly when mature or during breeding displays, while females develop deeper coloration and strong protective instincts when guarding eggs. Despite being a cichlid, the Golden Eye Dwarf Cichlid is generally peaceful when kept with suitable tank mates and enough space.
This species is a good choice for aquarists interested in dwarf cichlids that exhibit natural behaviours such as territorial displays, spawning, and parental care.
Physical Characteristics:
- Adult Size: 6–8 cm
- Body Shape: Compact, laterally compressed cichlid body
- Colouration: Males display iridescent blue-green scales with a metallic sheen and distinctive golden eyes. Females are darker with more subdued coloration but can develop stronger markings during breeding.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males are larger and more colourful with extended finnage, while females are smaller and often darker in colour.
- Lifespan: 5–7 years
Behaviour & Temperament:
- Temperament: Generally peaceful but territorial during breeding
- Swimming Level: Lower to mid levels
- Social Behaviour: Best kept as a pair or single specimen in community aquariums
- Recommended Group Size: Single fish or bonded pair
- Golden Eye Dwarf Cichlids are relatively calm for a cichlid species and spend much of their time exploring the lower areas of the aquarium. They can become protective of territory when spawning.
Aquarium Requirements:
- Minimum Tank Size: 60 litres
- Water Temperature: 23–28°C
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Water Hardness: 2–12 dGH
- Water Flow: Gentle to moderate
- Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
- Aquascape: Planted aquarium with driftwood, caves, and shaded areas for hiding
- Lighting: Low to moderate
Feeding:
Golden Eye Dwarf Cichlids are omnivores and accept a varied diet:
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High-quality micro pellets or cichlid pellets
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Frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp
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Live foods including daphnia or mosquito larvae
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Occasional vegetable-based foods
Feed small amounts once or twice daily.
Compatibility:
Suitable Tank Mates:
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Small tetras
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Rasboras
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Corydoras catfish
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Dwarf gouramis
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Peaceful community fish
Avoid Housing With:
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Large aggressive cichlids
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Highly territorial fish
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Fin-nipping species
Breeding:
Spawning Type: Cave spawner
Breeding Difficulty: Moderate
Breeding Notes:
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Females typically lay eggs inside caves or sheltered areas
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The female guards eggs and fry closely
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Males defend the surrounding territory during spawning
Special Considerations:
Golden Eye Dwarf Cichlids benefit from a well-structured aquarium with plenty of hiding spaces and stable water conditions. Providing caves or dense plants helps reduce stress and encourages natural breeding behaviour.
*Product Photo is for reference only. Exact fish may vary in size and colour
