Laetacara flamannellus

Overview

Laetacara flamannellus is a small cichlid from coastal Amapá, Brazil. An orange ring surrounding a dark spot at the dorsal-fin base is an important identification feature and inspired its flame-related name. It may occasionally have been sold under a relative's name.

Distribution & habitat

Known records span eastern coastal rivers of Amapá between the Amapá and Mazagão areas. The type locality is Lake Curiaú near Macapá.

Most specimens came from seasonally flooded grasslands, among sedge-like vegetation in still marginal water about 30–50 cm deep. These grasslands usually flood from January through June. One contrasting collection came from a flowing small stream: the records are not confined to still water, but this does not establish a need for strong aquarium currents.

Breeding

Substrate spawning with care by both parents is suggested by other members of the genus. This remains a comparative expectation rather than a confirmed breeding procedure for this species.

Notes

The orange ring around the dark dorsal-base spot separates it from Laetacara curviceps and Laetacara dorsigera. Other useful features include a yellow stripe along the middle of the dorsal fin, absence of the latter species' breeding red belly, and absence of the former's red-purple anal-base area.

Possible historical sales as Laetacara curviceps should be treated cautiously. Compare the complete fin pattern and provenance rather than accepting a label from superficial resemblance.