Laetacara | |
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Laetacara araguaiae | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Cichliformes |
Family: | Cichlidae |
Tribe: | Cichlasomatini |
Genus: | Laetacara S. O. Kullander, 1986 |
Type species | |
Acara flavilabris Cope, 1870
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Laetacara is a small genus of cichlids native to freshwater habitats in tropical and subtropical South America, ranging from the upper Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Paraná River basin Argentina.[1][2] The genus is also collectively known as the smiling acaras.[3][4] Like all cichlids, Laetacara species have well-developed brood care.
All members of the genus are monogamous, open spawning cichlids.[3] They are popular in the fishkeeping hobby and are frequently kept in aquariums.[2] Laetacara are relatively small cichlids, growing to about 4–12 cm (1.6–4.7 in) in length depending on exact species,[5] and are part of the group known to aquarists as dwarf cichlids.[3]
There are currently seven recognized species in this genus:[5]