Saddle Cichlid

The saddle cichlid is a hardy, adaptable acara that lives across a large part of the Amazon basin. Its olive–brown body is covered with blue–green shimmering spots; in the middle of the body there is a large dark blotch resembling a saddle. Males can reach 20 cm, while females stay slightly smaller. It can be thought of as a larger relative of the blue acara (Andinoacara pulcher).

• At least 250 liters and 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 values; a 30% water change weekly.
• Dim light and floating plants bring out its colors.

Omnivorous. Make cichlid granules the staple; vary them with frozen bloodworms, mysis, shrimp and vegetables. One or two meals a day are enough; excess food degrades water quality.

It usually gets along well with fish of similar size; during breeding it resolutely defends the area around the eggs and may eat small fish that fit in its mouth.

Good companions: severum, festivum, Geophagus species, large tetras, silver dollars, plecos.

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