Panda Uaru (Uaru fernandezyepezi) Care Guide
Uaru fernandezyepezi is a rare blackwater uaru from the Atabapo region of the Orinoco basin, described by Stawikowski in 1989 and listed as Vulnerable.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Uaru fernandezyepezi, sometimes called the panda or Atabapo uaru, is a uaru from Venezuela described by Stawikowski in 1989. It is uncommon in the aquarium trade and considered a demanding species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Uaru
- Scientific name: Uaru fernandezyepezi
- Described by Stawikowski, 1989
Habitat
The species is found in rivers of the Orinoco River basin, associated with the Atabapo region known for soft, acidic blackwater. Mining within the Orinoco Mining Arc in Venezuela is a recognised threat to its habitat.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (about 105 gal)
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (79-86 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6.0
- GH: 1-3 °dGH (very soft)
- Group size: best kept in pairs or small groups
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Wikipedia reports a maximum length of about 24 cm total length. The numeric water ranges follow the verified KB record, consistent with its soft blackwater origin.
Diet
Like its congener, the species relies heavily on plant matter and is best offered a diet rich in vegetable content, supplemented with frozen and live foods. Detailed dietary studies for this species are limited.
Compatibility
Peaceful and mid-water dwelling, it suits calm soft-water communities with discus, altum angelfish, Geophagus and bristlenose plecos. Tiny tetras and aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable. As of the 2020 assessment the population is severely fragmented with a continuing decline of mature individuals, driven largely by mining activity in Venezuela.
Panda Uaru (Uaru fernandezyepezi) Breeding Guide
Overview
Uaru fernandezyepezi, the panda or Atabapo uaru, is a rare cichlid of the Orinoco basin in Venezuela, reaching up to about 24 cm total length. It is found in the aquarium trade and is assessed as Vulnerable by the IUCN (2020), with a severely fragmented, declining population. Species-specific breeding accounts are scarce, so the reproductive behaviour here follows its congener Uaru amphiacanthoides.
Sexing
As in Uaru generally, the fish are not sexually dimorphic, so external sexing is not reliable; keeping a group and allowing a pair to form is the practical route to a breeding pair.
Conditioning
Wild-caught Uaru need water matching their natural habitat, while captive-bred fish are less fussy. Condition the pair on a diet that includes plant matter, in keeping with the largely herbivorous nature of the genus.
Breeding Setup
- Very soft, acidic blackwater (around 5 °dH or softer)
- Warm water in the genus maintenance range of about 27-30 °C (82-86 °F)
- A flat rock or piece of bogwood as a spawning surface
- A large, quiet tank reflecting the adult size
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
In Uaru, spawning takes place on a flat rock or piece of bogwood that the pair cleans before the female deposits eggs and the male fertilises them. Soft, acidic conditions matching the natural blackwater habitat best support spawning.
Egg & Fry Care
Once mobile, Uaru fry readily graze on the parents' slime coat, in much the same manner as discus, drawing nourishment from the secretion during early development under the care of both parents.
Common Challenges
This species is rare and demanding: monomorphism makes pairing slow, very soft acidic blackwater is hard to maintain, and the large adult size means breeding requires a substantial tank. Sourcing healthy breeding stock is itself a major obstacle.