Teardrop cichlid

Guianacara dacrya is a handsome eartheater-type cichlid from clear and blackwater tributaries of the Branco and Essequibo drainages, named for the dark teardrop marking beneath the eye. It inhabits sandy and rocky stretches where it sifts substrate for food. Keep it in a spacious tank with a soft sand bed, rockwork and driftwood forming caves, as pairs are cave-spawners that become territorial when breeding. Water should be soft and slightly acidic to neutral: temperature 24-28C, pH 6.0-7.5, low to moderate hardness. It is otherwise peaceful and works well with medium tetras, pencilfish and other calm South American species. Offer a varied omnivorous diet of quality pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and some vegetable matter. A rewarding, moderately hardy cichlid.