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.
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.