Page 140 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

138 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Andinoacara pulcher Cleithracara maronii Andinoacara rivulatus
Blue Acara Keyhole Cichlid Green Terror

ORIGINS Central and northern South America, from ORIGINS Northwestern South America, restricted to ORIGINS Northwestern South America, occurring in
Panama to Colombia and Venezuela. Also in Trinidad. parts of Guyana. western Ecuador and central Peru.
SIZE 8 in (20 cm). SIZE 6 in (15 cm). SIZE 8 in (20 cm).
DIET Prepared cichlid foods and live foods. DIET Prepared cichlid foods and live foods. DIET Prepared cichlid foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 64–77°F (18–25°C); soft (50 mg/l) WATER Temperature 72–77°F (22–25°C); soft (50 mg/l) WATER Temperature 68–77°F (20–25°C); soft (50 mg/l)
to neutral (pH 7.0). and acidic (pH 6.5). to neutral (pH 7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Territorial but not very aggressive. TEMPERAMENT Peaceful. TEMPERAMENT Territorial and aggressive.
Although the exact coloration of Blue Acaras varies Turquoise body markings separate these cichlids
between individuals, they all display obvious bluish from related species. The male, pictured below,
markings set against a darker background. Mature is more brightly colored than the female and
males can usually be identified by the extensions at usually larger. Most males acquire a nuchal hump
the rear of the dorsal and anal fins. Regular water on the forehead as they mature. It is usually better
changes to maintain water quality are very to keep pairs in a tank on their own, especially for
important for Blue Acaras, while raising the water breeding, offering plenty of retreats and spawning
temperature slightly, up to 82°F (28°C), should surfaces. Hatching can take four days; the fry
encourage spawning. become free-swimming one week later.
Captive-bred strains of the Keyhole Cichlid are
often much smaller in size than wild stock. A black
stripe passing through the eye and roughly circular
black markings on the upper body adjacent to the
dorsal fin are characteristic features of this cichlid.
It is less destructive in aquariums than its relatives,
rarely digging or damaging plants. The female will
lay up to 300 eggs and then guard them until they
hatch. She will also care for the resulting fry.

SUBSTRATE EXCAVATORS

Many of the New World cichlids are eager
excavators of the substrate. This behavior is
reflected in the name of one particular genus,
Geophagus, which literally means “earth-
eater.” Such cichlids do not normally swallow
the gravel that they pick up with their strong
jaws but instead move it a short distance
and then simply spit it out. As you can see
from this picture of a Black Belt Cichlid
(Vieja maculicauda), they can move relatively
large amounts with each mouthful. Part of
the reason for digging is undoubtedly to
search for edible live foods, such as worms,
that may be lurking in the substrate, but
this behavior is also linked with the cichlids’
breeding habits. The cichlid fry require a safe
area when they first emerge from their eggs,
while they are not yet free-swimming. In
order to keep their brood together and safe
from would-be predators, the adults dig a
series of pits in the substrate where their
offspring can shelter. Within an aquarium
setup, this digging can lead to plants floating
up to the surface if they are not set in pots.
It may also compromise the workings of an
undergravel filter. Rockwork, in particular,
needs to be securely positioned to prevent it
from being undermined by these excavations.

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