Common Name: Uaru Cichlid
Scientific Name: Uaru amphiacanthoides
Other Names: Triangle Cichlid, Waroo
The Uaru Cichlid is a large and striking freshwater fish known for its unique shape and coloration. It features a dark, triangular body with a prominent light-colored patch on its side, making it a visually appealing addition to large aquariums.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Uaru Cichlid is native to the river basins of South America, particularly the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers in countries like Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. These fish inhabit slow-moving rivers, streams, and floodplains with plenty of submerged vegetation and woody debris, providing ample hiding spots and feeding grounds.
Size and Lifespan:
In both the wild and captivity, Uaru Cichlids can grow up to 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in length. With proper care, their lifespan can range from 8 to 12 years, depending on the quality of their diet and water conditions.
Diet and Behavior:
Uaru Cichlids are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant matter in their natural habitat. In an aquarium, their diet should include high-quality vegetable-based pellets, spirulina tablets, and fresh vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and peas. They may also accept flake foods and occasional protein-rich foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp. These cichlids are known for their peaceful and social behavior, often forming pairs or small groups. They are best kept in groups of at least three to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Uaru Cichlids in captivity is possible and can be rewarding. They are substrate spawners, with the female laying eggs on flat surfaces such as rocks or pieces of driftwood. Both parents guard the eggs and fry, showing strong parental care. To encourage breeding, provide a spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots and flat surfaces for spawning, maintain optimal water conditions with regular water changes, and feed a varied diet to enhance their health and breeding readiness.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Due to their size and social nature, Uaru Cichlids require a large aquarium, with a minimum of 75-100 gallons recommended for adult specimens. The tank should have a soft, sandy substrate to allow them to exhibit their natural grazing behavior. Include plenty of rocks, driftwood, and plants to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress. Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintaining water quality. The water temperature should be kept between 75-82°F (24-28°C), with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Uaru Cichlids are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish that share similar water parameter requirements. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful cichlids, larger tetras, and other medium to large-sized community fish. Avoid housing them with aggressive or highly territorial species that may cause stress or injury.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate. While Uaru Cichlids are hardy and adaptable, they require specific tank conditions and diet to thrive, making them suitable for aquarists with some experience. Their peaceful nature and striking appearance make them a great addition to large community tanks.
Water Parameters:
-
Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
-
pH: 6.0-7.5
-
General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH
-
Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-6 dKH
-
Ammonia: 0 ppm (ideal)
-
Nitrite: 0 ppm (ideal)
-
Nitrate: <20 ppm (ideal)
Additional Information:
- The Uaru Cichlid’s unique triangular shape and peaceful demeanor make it a standout addition to any large aquarium.
- They are known for their strong parental care, with both parents actively guarding and tending to the eggs and fry, making them fascinating to observe during the breeding process.
- Fun fact: Uaru Cichlids are sometimes referred to as "vegetarian piranhas" due to their herbivorous diet and resemblance to piranhas in body shape.
