Acara - Aequidens diadema
Scientific name: Aequidens diadema
Common name: Acara
Family: Cichlidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 12 cm (3.94 - 4.72 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.6 - 7.5
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 20°N (142.86 - 357.14ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°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: aggressive to smaller
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Food and feeding
Quality flakes or cichlid pellets should provide the staple diet. Acara’s will also need treats of live or frozen foods to keep them in top condition. Blood worms and brine shrimp are ideal.
Origin
South America; Acara’s are to be found in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela.
Sexing
The males will have extended dorsal and anal fins. They usually display a brighter colouration as well.
Breeding
Provide flat stones or similar to act a spawning sites in the aquarium. 200-300 eggs will be laid at the spawning site and once fertilised, both parents will take the eggs into their mouths for brooding. After 8 days the fry should be released and free swimming, at this stage they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Acara is 10 years.
Short description
Acara’s are classed as a peaceful species but can become aggressive during spawning. It is better to keep a pair of these alone in the tank to prevent this. Rocks and wood should be added to the tank.
Picture
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.