Saddle Cichlid (Aequidens tetramerus) Care Guide
Aequidens tetramerus is a widespread, adaptable South American acara found across the Amazon and Orinoco systems, described by Heckel in 1840.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Aequidens tetramerus, the saddle cichlid, is a South American acara of the family Cichlidae, described by Heckel in 1840. It has a yellowish body with a dark saddle-like marking on the flanks and is among the most widely distributed members of its genus.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Aequidens
- Scientific name: Aequidens tetramerus
- Described by Heckel, 1840
Habitat
The species is widely distributed across the Amazon River basin in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Bolivia, plus the Tocantins and Parnaiba rivers, the Guianas and the Orinoco basin in Venezuela. It frequents zones with little current over substrates covered with plant debris.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L (about 66 gal)
- Temperature: 23-28 °C (73-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 19-25 cm (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
FishBase reports a maximum length of about 19.2 cm total length (with one reference up to 25 cm), a pH of 4.9-7.5 and a dH of 1-13.5, reflecting the species' broad tolerance.
Diet
The species is an omnivore with a FishBase trophic level around 3.2, primarily insectivorous and secondarily taking small fishes 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, particularly when breeding.
Breeding
Aequidens tetramerus is a substrate spawner with biparental care, a reproductive strategy shared across the genus.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2020.
Aequidens tetramerus Breeding Guide
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.