THREADFIN ACARA CICHLID 5cmACARICHTHYS HECKELII

Description
Threadfin Geophagus
(Acarichthys heckelii)
Quick Care Facts
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Maximum Size: 10″
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Water Conditions: 78-86° F, pH 5.5-7.5, KH 2-7
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: South America
Family: Cichlidae
Species: Geophagus
Aquarium Type: Cichlid-New-World
Species Information
Acarichthys heckelii, also known as the Threadfin Acara and more recently, the Threadfin Geophagus, is a peaceful species that is commonly found adding action and color to South American Biotope aquariums as well as some of the less aggressive Cichlid tanks.
The Threadfin is native to shallow, sandy-bottom rivers, ponds, and lakes within the Amazon River basin of South America. Like other Geophagus species, the Threadfins will continuously sift through sand and other substrate in search of food. They have a base color of tan to gray, with slight, vertical banding and gold to green, iridescent scales on their flanks.
They also have iridescent gold to green patterns on their operculum as well as a variety of blue-green, gold and red markings on their translucent fins.
Aquarium Care
The Threadfin requires an aquarium of at least 55 gallons and should be provided with a fine, sand substrate and multiple places where they can find shelter (driftwood, rock structures, or dense vegetation).
Threadfins will sift and burrow through sand and have been known to snack on some live plant species, so live plants that attach to driftwood and rocks, or potted plants are recommended. Threadfins prefer warm, soft, acidic, and clean water as well as an area of low or subdued lighting where they can sift around for snacks.
Threadfins prefer to live in groups and are relatively peaceful Cichlids that have been successful in a community environment, but are more commonly kept in species or biotope-specific aquariums (or housed with other Cichlids). Tank mates should be considered carefully and should be comparable in size.
Feeding & Nutrition
The Threadfin is an omnivore that generally feeds from the bottom of the aquarium (but will surface for frozen bloodworms) and should be fed a variety of foods, such as live, prepared, frozen or freeze-dried: brine shrimp, bloodworms, blackworms, krill, flake food, and soft, sinking, Cichlid pellets.