Zebra acara - Nannacara adoketa

Scientific name: Nannacara adoketa

Common name: Zebra acara

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 7 - 10 cm (2.76 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 5.8 - 6.6

Recommended water hardness: 2 - 7°N (35.71 - 125ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 27 °C (75.2 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Short description

The Zebra acara (Nannacara adoketa; often listed today as Ivanacara adoketa) is a striking blackwater dwarf cichlid from Brazil’s Rio Negro system. It shows bold vertical barring with metallic highlights, a high-contrast head mask, and pronounced fin extensions in males. Generally peaceful in a well-chosen community, but territorial during courtship and spawning. Best color and behavior appear in soft, acidic water with leaf litter and dim light.

Origin

South America – upper Rio Negro basin (Brazil) in slow, tannin-stained blackwater streams, flooded forest margins, and igarapés with sandy bottoms, wood, and leaf litter. Water is typically very soft and acidic with low conductivity.

Food and feeding

A small-mouthed micro-predator/omnivore. Provide a staple of high-quality micro-pellets or fine flakes and frequent small portions of frozen/live foods (e.g., baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, blackworms). Rotate in spirulina-rich foods or blanched greens occasionally for gut health. Offer small feedings 2× daily to match their foraging style and keep water pristine.

Sexing

Males are larger, with more elongated dorsal/anal fins and stronger facial patterning; females remain smaller, rounder when ripe, and often show a warmer gold/rose wash in breeding dress. External differences are subtle in juveniles; behavior near shelters is often the best clue.

Breeding

A cave/substrate spawner. Provide snug caves (ceramic tubes, half-coconut, rock crevices) and leaf litter. The female tends eggs and early fry in the cave; the male defends the territory. At 25–26 °C, eggs typically hatch in ~2–3 days; fry become free-swimming in ~4–6 days. Start with infusoria/rotifers or powdered fry foods, then transition to newly hatched brine shrimp. Keep flow gentle, oxygen high, and water extremely clean.

Lifespan

Typically 5–8 years with excellent husbandry.

Behavior & compatibility

Generally peaceful to non-aggressive tank mates of similar size that enjoy soft, warm water (small tetras, pencils, Corydoras suited to warm temps). However, pairs are territorial—especially toward conspecifics and similarly shaped dwarf cichlids. Keep as a bonded pair or one male with one female in a well-structured layout.

Tank requirements

• Tank size: ~70–100 L for a pair; larger if housing additional peaceful companions.
• Aquascape: fine sand, leaf litter, tangled roots/wood, and multiple snug caves; subdued lighting (floating plants help).
• Water: very soft, acidic water preferred (your pH 5.8–6.6, GH 2–7 °dH are appropriate). Temperature 24–27 °C is a practical sweet spot.
• Filtration: gentle flow, strong biofiltration; maintain low nitrate with regular small water changes.

Care notes

This species shows its best color and calmest behavior in blackwater conditions (tannins, humic acids). Stability matters more than chasing exact numbers; avoid abrupt parameter swings.

Taxonomic note

The species is widely referred to in the hobby as Ivanacara adoketa following a later generic placement; many resources still list it under Nannacara. Husbandry is the same.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.