Diadem Acara (Aequidens diadema) Care Guide
Aequidens diadema is an acara from the upper Negro and Orinoco basins, described by Heckel in 1840 and kept in community aquariums.
Overview
Aequidens diadema is a South American acara of the family Cichlidae, described by Heckel in 1840. It carries iridescent blue scales and is kept both in commercial fisheries and the public aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Aequidens
- Scientific name: Aequidens diadema
- Described by Heckel, 1840
Habitat
The species occurs in the Amazon River basin in the upper Negro River and in the Orinoco River basin, in tributaries of the Orinoco in Colombia and Venezuela. It is found in streams with clear-water and black-water conditions.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (about 53 gal)
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 11.8 cm SL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
FishBase reports a maximum standard length of about 11.8 cm and a temperature range of 23-28 °C. The aquarium ranges above follow the verified KB record.
Diet
The species is an omnivore with a FishBase trophic level around 3.2. It accepts prepared, frozen and live foods supplemented with vegetable matter, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
Peaceful for an acara and mid-water dwelling, it suits soft-water community tanks with Severum, silver dollars and bristlenose plecos. Tiny tetras and aggressive cichlids are best avoided.
Breeding
Aequidens diadema is a substrate spawner. FishBase notes both parents care for the larvae by mouthing them after hatching, a biparental care behaviour.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2020.