Acora Festivum (Mesonauta acora) Care Guide
Mesonauta acora is a peaceful festivum cichlid from the Tocantins and Xingu basins of eastern Brazil, described by Castelnau in 1855.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Mesonauta acora is one of the festivum cichlids, a group within the family Cichlidae described from South America. It was originally described by Castelnau in 1855. Like other Mesonauta, it forms loose groups near the surface and displays dark body bars that fade when the fish is relaxed.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Mesonauta
- Scientific name: Mesonauta acora
- Described by Castelnau, 1855
Habitat
The species occurs in the Amazon drainage of eastern Brazil, specifically in the Tocantins and Xingu river basins. Mesonauta cichlids generally inhabit freshwater with little water movement and abundant aquatic vegetation, occurring in streams and lakes.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (about 53 gal)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.2
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Group size: 4 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
FishBase reports a maximum standard length of about 7.1 cm and a pH preference from 5.5 upward, with temperatures from roughly 22 °C; the aquarium ranges above reflect typical husbandry for the species.
Diet
Mesonauta acora is an omnivore, occupying an intermediate position in the food web (FishBase trophic level about 3.3). In the aquarium it accepts prepared foods, frozen and live invertebrates, and some plant matter; feeding twice daily suits its medium build.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful and occupies the middle to upper water column. It is suited to community aquariums with similarly calm South American fish such as larger tetras, Geophagus and bristlenose plecos. Very small tetras may be viewed as food, and boisterous or aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
Mesonauta acora is a substrate spawner. According to FishBase, both parents care for the eggs and larvae, a biparental pattern typical of the genus.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2018.
Acora Festivum (Mesonauta acora) Breeding Guide
Overview
Mesonauta acora is a festivum endemic to blackwater in the Xingu and Tocantins basins of eastern Brazil, typically reaching 6-10 cm. As an omnivore it feeds on insects, aquatic invertebrates and algae. Species-specific breeding accounts are scarce, so the reproductive behaviour here follows the closely related Mesonauta festivus.
Sexing
In Mesonauta, the male is generally larger and shows longer extensions to the dorsal and anal fins; otherwise sexing is unreliable, so allowing a group to pair off is the usual approach.
Conditioning
Keep a small group and condition prospective breeders on a varied omnivorous diet. Soft, slightly acidic water consistent with its blackwater range helps bring fish into spawning condition.
Breeding Setup
- Soft, slightly acidic water reflecting its natural range
- A flat stone or broad surface as a spawning site
- Planted cover and a quiet, undisturbed location
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
In Mesonauta the pair prepares a flat stone or similar area, after which the female deposits the eggs and the male fertilises them. Over 200 eggs may be laid in a single spawn, hatching in about 2-3 days.
Egg & Fry Care
Both parents guard the eggs, move the fry to a pit and the larvae become free-swimming roughly 3-4 days after hatching. Newly hatched brine shrimp and powdered fry foods are suitable until the young can take larger items.
Common Challenges
Mesonauta are easily spooked, which can lead nervous parents to eat their fry; a quiet location and minimal disturbance, or rearing the fry separately, improve survival.