Blue Acara (Andinoacara latifrons) Care Guide
Andinoacara latifrons is a hardy Colombian acara from the Magdalena and neighbouring basins, described by Steindachner in 1878.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Andinoacara latifrons is a Colombian acara of the family Cichlidae, described by Steindachner in 1878. It resembles the related blue acara but is distinguished by a broader head profile, and it is a hardy, adaptable cichlid.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Andinoacara
- Scientific name: Andinoacara latifrons
- Described by Steindachner, 1878
Habitat
The species occurs in the Magdalena, Atrato, Sinu and San Juan River basins in Colombia. It is found in swamps and lakes, inhabiting the lower water column over soft substrates.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (about 53 gal)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.8
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 20 cm SL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
FishBase reports a maximum standard length of about 20 cm, a pH of 6.5-7.5 and a wide temperature tolerance from 23 to 34 °C, consistent with the species' adaptable nature.
Diet
The species is an omnivore with a FishBase trophic level around 3.3. In the aquarium it accepts prepared foods, frozen and live invertebrates and some plant matter, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
Semi-aggressive and mid-water dwelling, it suits robust tankmates such as convict cichlids, silver dollars and bristlenose plecos. Tiny tetras may be eaten and aggressive cichlids should be avoided, especially when the fish is breeding.
Breeding
Andinoacara latifrons is a substrate spawner. FishBase notes that both parents defend the eggs and larvae, a biparental care pattern typical of the genus.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2014.
Andinoacara latifrons Breeding Guide
Overview
Andinoacara latifrons (Steindachner, 1878) is a Colombian acara native to the Magdalena, Atrato, Sinu and San Juan river systems. The species name latifrons means "broad forehead." It is a biparental substrate spawner: pairs clean a hard surface, deposit adhesive eggs and guard the brood together. Reported males reach about 17 cm total length.
Sexing
Mature males of this acara grow larger than females. As with related Andinoacara, pairs form within a group, so it is common to raise several juveniles together and allow a bonded pair to establish before attempting to breed.
Breeding Setup
Provide flat stones or smooth slate as spawning substrate, with a sand bottom and structure such as wood and robust rocks for cover. Stable, moderately hard freshwater suits the species; it tolerates a range of conditions and breeds repeatedly through the year.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The female meticulously cleans a chosen stone before depositing eggs, which adhere together in a pattern likened to a pearl necklace and eventually cover the surface. Partners frequently spar, which is typical for pair-bonding cichlids. Andinoacara latifrons spawns several times per year.
Egg & Fry Care
The female fans the eggs with her body and pectoral fins to keep them oxygenated and clean. Once the fry become free-swimming they form a tight school around both parents, confirming biparental guarding of the brood.
Common Challenges
Pair aggression and squabbling are common; a roomy tank with sight breaks reduces conflict. As with most pair-spawning cichlids, inexperienced first-time parents may eat early clutches before settling into reliable care.