Black Acara

The black acara takes its scientific name ("two-spotted") from the two dark blotches in the middle of the body and above the caudal peduncle. Its olive–brown or grayish body has a dark stripe running from the eye to the blotch in the middle of the body; during breeding its colors darken. It comes from the slow-flowing, planted waters of northeastern South America. Because of its hardiness, individuals released into the wild in Florida have formed permanent populations; it must never be released into the wild.

• At least 200 liters and 100–120 cm of length for a pair.
• Roots, flat stones and sand substrate; tough-leaved plants can hold up.
• It adapts to a wide range of water values; a 25–30% water change weekly.
• Dim light and hiding places.

Omnivorous. Make cichlid granules the staple; vary them with frozen bloodworms, mysis, brine shrimp and vegetables. One or two small meals a day are enough.

Relatively calm outside of breeding; once a pair forms, it fiercely guards the area around the eggs. It may eat small fish that fit in its mouth.

Good companions: South American cichlids of similar size (severum, saddle cichlid), large tetras, barbs, plecos.

Avoid: small fish such as neons, shrimp, very aggressive large cichlids.