Aequidens tetramerus Breeding Guide

Breeding Aequidens tetramerus, a territorial acara that lays around a thousand eggs on stone or wood with biparental care.

Overview

Aequidens tetramerus, the saddle cichlid, is the most widely distributed member of its genus, ranging across the Amazon and Orinoco basins and the Guianas. It reaches a maximum length of about 162 mm. The species is a substrate spawner that is highly territorial and lives in pairs.

Sexing

Within the genus, males typically grow larger than females. Because this taxon is probably a complex of related forms, raising a group and letting a pair bond is the practical way to obtain a compatible breeding pair.

Breeding Setup

In nature the species favors slow-moving or still water over complex substrates of submerged roots, branches and leaf litter, in conditions ranging from clear to nearly black water though clear water appears to be favored. Replicate this with flat stones or wood for spawning, plenty of cover and a defined territory.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

A pair establishes and defends a strong territory, then spawns around a thousand eggs on a stone or piece of wood that has been cleaned beforehand.

Egg & Fry Care

The eggs are tended by both parents through incubation, demonstrating the biparental care typical of substrate-spawning acaras.

Common Challenges

Strong territoriality means a breeding pair will aggressively defend its spawning area, so tank mates and even the non-dominant partner can be at risk in confined quarters; ample space and sight breaks help.