Laetacara Thayeri

Datasheet

General Description

Laetacara Thayeri, a member of the Cichlidae family under the Perciformes classification order, is relatively rare in the aquarium trade. It can be distinguished from other species in the genus by its possession of ctenoid scales on the head's sides and the absence of a dark spot at the caudal-fin base. Reaching a maximum size of 6.5cm, this species exhibits a distinctive appearance attributed to its happy-looking patterning around the mouth and snout. The species was named in honor of the Boston banker Nathaniel Thayer, known for financing Louis Agassiz's fish collecting expedition in Brazil in 1865-66.

Aquarium Setup

Laetacara Thayeri thrives in water conditions with a hardness range of 18-268ppm, a pH between 4.5-7.5, and a temperature of 20-28°C. The species is an easily-fed carnivore but benefits from a varied diet including live and frozen foods like bloodworms, Daphnia, and Artemia. Additionally, high-quality dried flakes and granules, preferably with added plant or algal contents, are recommended for optimal health and coloration (see table).

Behaviour

This species is a biparental substrate spawner, exhibiting unique reproductive behavior in aquarium settings. In terms of sexual dimorphism, males tend to grow larger than females and develop more extended dorsal, anal, and caudal fins as they mature.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Laetacara Thayeri feeds on a diet comprising algae, organic detritus, small insects, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton. In aquariums, they readily accept a variety of foods, with small live and frozen options being particularly beneficial. Dried flakes and granules should also be included in their diet, ideally with additional plant or algal components for nutritional balance.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

The reproductive habits of Laetacara Thayeri involve both male and female parents contributing to substrate spawning. Males exhibit larger body sizes and more pronounced fins as they reach maturity, distinguishing them from females.

Habitat and Distribution

Native to the middle and upper Amazon basins in western Brazil and northern Peru, Laetacara Thayeri can be found in various river basins in both countries. Its presence has been documented in rivers such as Tigre, Ucayali, Yavarí, Solimões, Amazon, and Negro, highlighting its broad habitat range within the Amazonian region. The species' type locality is identified as Codajas, Lake Hyanuary at Manaus, and Lake Maximo at Alenquer.