Yellow Acara (Aequidens metae) Care Guide
Aequidens metae is a hardy Colombian acara from the Meta River in the Orinoco basin, described by Eigenmann in 1922.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Aequidens metae is a Colombian acara of the family Cichlidae, described by Eigenmann in 1922. It has a yellowish body and is a hardy species that tolerates a range of conditions; it is of commercial interest in the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Aequidens
- Scientific name: Aequidens metae
- Described by Eigenmann, 1922
Habitat
The species occurs in the Meta River within the Orinoco River basin in Colombia. It inhabits creeks and small streams in soft, acidic waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (about 53 gal)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 12.5 cm SL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
FishBase reports a maximum standard length of about 12.5 cm, a pH of 4.8-6.0 in the wild and a temperature range of 24-30 °C. The aquarium ranges above follow the verified KB record.
Diet
The species is an omnivore with a FishBase trophic level around 3.2, feeding on small organisms and plant matter. In the aquarium it accepts prepared, frozen and live foods, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
Semi-aggressive and mid-water dwelling, it suits robust tankmates such as Severum, silver dollars and bristlenose plecos. Tiny tetras may be eaten and aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
Aequidens metae is a substrate spawner with biparental care, following the typical reproductive pattern of the genus.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2020.
Aequidens metae Breeding Guide
Overview
Aequidens metae is a Colombian acara native to the Meta River in the Orinoco basin, where it lives in wider rivers and drainages with soft to neutral water. Reported to reach 18-20 cm, it is a substrate spawner that usually lives in pairs and provides extended biparental care.
Sexing
Males develop a slightly rounder nuchal hump and longer extensions on the dorsal and anal fins, while females appear slightly rounder in the abdominal region. These differences become clearer as fish mature.
Conditioning
Spawning is described as challenging and is encouraged by conditioning the pair on live food and by simulating seasonal water-level fluctuations, reflecting the flood cycle of its native rivers.
Breeding Setup
Provide flat, hard surfaces for egg deposition. Reported aquarium parameters are a temperature of 24-28 C, pH 6.0-7.0 and general hardness of 3-12 dGH.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Mating typically occurs in the morning. About 200-800 eggs are laid on a hard, flat surface and hatch after 2-3 days.
Egg & Fry Care
The fry begin to swim freely after about 2 days, and both parents care for them for roughly 3 weeks, guarding and herding the school.
Common Challenges
Because spawning is reported as difficult, the main hurdles are bringing the pair into condition and providing the seasonal cue; without it, pairs may not commit to a clutch.