Threadfin Acara

Acarichthys heckelii

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichliformes›Cichlidae

📍 Amazon & Essequibo Basins, South America

A stunningly beautiful cichlid with elongated dorsal and anal fin filaments and iridescent blue-green scales. Peaceful for its size, it sifts sand for food and does best in spacious tanks with fine substrate and driftwood.

Size8"

Min Tank55g

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Threadfin Acaras are omnivores that require a varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia), and vegetable matter. Feed small amounts once daily, adjusting portions so food is consumed within a few minutes. Supplement with blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach weekly to support digestive health.

Behavior

These peaceful eartheaters are constantly sifting through substrate in search of food, creating a natural biotope appearance while aerating the sand. They are social and do best in pairs or small groups, displaying minimal aggression toward similarly-sized peaceful fish. They are primarily bottom-dwellers but will venture into mid-water during feeding times.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is possible but requires patience and ideal conditions including soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5), temperatures around 26-28°C, and plenty of hiding spots. Pairs are monogamous and will guard eggs and fry aggressively; remove other fish during breeding. Fry are small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially before graduating to micro pellets.

Tank Mates

Cardinal Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water and won't compete for bottom space

good

Rummy Nose Tetra

Peaceful schoolers from similar South American habitats with compatible water parameter requirements

good

Bolivian Ram

Peaceful dwarf cichlid with similar temperature and pH needs; may occasionally compete for bottom space but generally compatible

good

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae-eaters that occupy similar bottom habitat without direct competition for food

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

May be predated upon if very small; larger adult shrimp are generally safe but monitor closely

caution

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against substrate, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use ich medication (malachite green or formalin) following label directions; maintain excellent water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Perform immediate 50% water change, improve water quality and aeration, treat with antibacterial medication; address underlying poor water conditions

Hole-in-the-Head (HITH)

Symptoms

Small pits or holes developing on head and lateral line, loss of appetite, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent changes, ensure varied diet with quality foods and vitamin supplementation, use metronidazole if parasitic infection suspected

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Cloudy eyes, open sores, torn fins, bloating, loss of appetite

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform daily water changes, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; maintain pristine water conditions during recovery