Care
Taeniacara candidi is a slender dwarf cichlid known from the lower Negro River and along the Amazon to the Tapajós River. These waters are very soft, acidic, and tannin-stained, with leaf litter, roots, and overhanging vegetation. The home aquarium should contain soft, acidic water and be biologically mature before these delicate fishes are added. Ideally there will be dark substrate and dense planting, with plenty of hiding places/territories amongst rocks, driftwood, coconut shells etc. Floating plant cover could be used to help diffuse the light. Peat filtration and the addition of dried Indian Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa) would be beneficial to help create the favoured conditions, and be aware that the tank should have a tight fitting cover, as these fish can jump. Filtration should be efficient, but water movement gentle, and frequent partial water changes should be carried out in order to keep nitrate at a minimum. This species is rather sensitive to changes, so ensure that the new water matches the tank water as closely as possible in terms of pH, hardness, and temperature. Male T. candidi are incredibly territorially aggressive with other males of their own kind. For this reason, it is best to maintain these fish either as a pair, or in a harem situation with one male and several females. Keeping more than one male in the same tank usually spells disaster for the less dominant individual(s), even in spacious quarters. Tankmates should be small and peaceful and occupy the mid to top levels of the aquarium. Good tankmates could include hatchetfish, pencilfish, rasboras, tetras etc. May be seen on sale as Torpedo Dwarf Cichlid. *Not suitable for beginners.*
Feeding
Small frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp and daphnia. Some specimens may eventually take flake and micropellets.
Breeding
Successful breeding can be achieved in the home aquarium, although it is moderately difficult. The water should be extremely soft and acidic (pH <5.5, negligible hardness). The female will deposit eggs, with the male following and fertilising, on the ceiling of a chosen cave - flowerpots on their side and coconut shells are favoured. The female then guards the eggs, with the male aggressively patrolling the general perimeter. The eggs should hatch within 48-72 hours (temperature dependent). The tiny fry will become free-swimming some 5-7 days later, and can be offered infusoria followed by newly hatched brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) or powdered 'first' foods. If breeding occurs in the community aquarium, the other fish may need moving to a separate aquarium for their own safety.
