The Uaru Cichlid Uaru amphiacanthoides presents one of the most unique body shapes and coloring in cichlid family. Its normal adult coloring is a silvery gray color marked by a single, large dark tear shaped spot in the middle of the body and another at the base of the tail. Juvenile Uaru Cichlids are similar in coloring but will have a general white speckling over most of their body and a golden fringe edging their tear drop spots. These special characteristics will fade as the fish grows older, generally disappearing altogether by the time they are 3-4 inches in length.
In addition to Uaru Cichlid, these fish are also commonly known by the names Chocolate Cichlid, Triangle Cichlid (a homage to the adult's triangle shaped body), and Waroo. This cichlid, described by Heckel in 1840, is one of two recognized Uaru species which share the name "Triangle Cichlid". The other is Uaru fernandezyepezi, which was described by Stanikowski as recently as 1989. While U. amphiacanthoides is an uncommon import, the Uaru fernandezyepezi is an even rarer import and not likely to be available to most hobbyists, thus reducing the confusion caused by their shared common name. .
A moderately large fish, the Uaru Cichlid will reach about 10" in the aquarium. They can be moderate to difficult to care for as they do need a larger tank with good water quality. Softer water is preferred along with moderate or subdued lighting. Water changes need to be performed frequently to keep the nitrate levels low. If water quality is ignored, as with all cichlids, disease and death can occur. Provide a gravel substrate and a decor of rockwork with plenty of caves and hiding places. They enjoy densely planted aquariums and including some floating plants can help to diffuse the lighting.
This intelligent cichlid makes a great pet. They are likened to the Discus and were at one time dubbed "the poor man's discus". Like the Discus, they are a challenging species to maintain and breed. One of the main attractions of this cichlid is when it is spawning. Then this fish really become imposing. The tear drop becomes large and black with just a bit of brown or gray around the edges, and the eyes light up like lanterns becoming bright orangish red. With their typical cichlid nature they come to know and respond to their owner and many owners report they are one of the if not the most intelligent aquarium fish.
Once established in their aquarium they are easy to feed and raise as long as the water is kept very clean. They are not considered a community fish but they can be kept with other easy going Central and South American cichlids. They are a schooling species and should not be kept singly, but rather in groupings of two or more so they develop a social and easy going personality. As long as they are provided plenty of room and appropriate decor, a grouping can work in well in aquariums over 100 gallons.
No comments:
Post a Comment