All fish / Cichlidae

Threadfin acara

Acarichthys heckelii

Also known as thread-finned acara, threadfin acara, heckel's acara, heckels thread-finned cichlid, acarichthys heckeli, geophagus heckelii, threadfinned cichlid, アカリクティス・ヘッケリー, 海克尔丝鳍慈鲷

A deep-bodied South American cichlid with a yellowish-brown body, blue-spangled face, a dark spot on the flank and long trailing threads on the dorsal and tail fins of adults. Keepers value it for its striking finnage and interesting digging and pair behaviour in large, sandy tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

18 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

A pair or a small group of 5 to 6 youngsters to form pairs

Diet

Omnivore: sinking cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, krill and some vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon basin and Guianas: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Guyana

Breeding

Pairs dig tunnels or caves in the substrate, where the female lays eggs and both parents guard the brood. Spawning in captivity is not easy, usually needing soft, acidic, very clean water and a large tank with deep sand.

Good to know

Adults can become territorial and aggressive when breeding, so give plenty of space and avoid small tankmates. It needs deep sand for digging and is sensitive to nitrate build-up.