Laetacara thayeri

Overview

Laetacara thayeri is a small cichlid from the middle and upper Amazon. The combination of ctenoid scales on the sides of the head and no dark spot at the tail-fin base helps separate it from its congeners.

Distribution & habitat

The native range covers western Brazil and northern Peru. Peruvian records include the Tigre, Ucayali, Yavarí, and Amazon systems. Brazilian records include the Solimões, Amazon, and lower Negro, with the Trombetas considered its downstream limit.

Diet & feeding

Algae, organic debris, small insects, worms, crustaceans, and other zooplankton are suggested natural foods. Aquarium fish generally accept food readily. Combine small live or frozen items, including bloodworms, Daphnia, and brine shrimp, with quality flakes or granules. Some prepared foods should contain plant or algal ingredients to maintain a varied menu.

Sexual dimorphism

Males become larger than females and develop more extended dorsal, anal, and tail fins with maturity. Immature fish should not be judged as though their adult fin characters were already fully expressed.

Breeding

This is a substrate spawner with care from both parents. Eggs are deposited on a fixed substrate and both adults participate in brood care.

Notes

Ctenoid head scales have small comb-like edges, unlike the cycloid scales of relatives. This fine feature may be invisible in ordinary distant photographs. Use it together with the absence of a dark tail-base spot. The historical combination Acara thayeri can help locate older records.