Laetacara

Laetacara is a small genus of five species of fish, endemic to soft, acidic freshwater habitats in South America. Laetacara is part of the family Cichlidae and is included in subfamily Cichlasomatinae. The genus is also collectively known as the smiling acaras. The range of the genus extends from the upper Orinoco river in Venezuela to the Paraná River in Paraguay. Like all cichlids, Laetacara species have well-developed brood care.

All members of the genus are monogamous, open spawning cichlids. Most species are popular in the fishkeeping hobby and are frequently kept in aquariums. Most Laetacara species are relatively small cichlids, growing from 5-10 centimetres (2-4 in) in length and are part of the group known to aquarists as dwarf cichlids.