Uaru Cichlid
Also known as: Uaru amphiacanthoides
The Uaru Cichlid (Uaru amphiacanthoides) is a distinctive, disc-shaped fish known for its unique triangular body pattern and peaceful demeanor. The Uaru Cichlid originates from Amazon River basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, inhabiting slow-moving, blackwater tributaries with dense vegetation and submerged roots., reaches Adult size: 20-25 cm in captivity, typically lives 8-12 years, and is kept at 24-28°C (75-82°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Species at a glance
- Origin
- Amazon River basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, inhabiting slow-moving, blackwater tributaries with dense vegetation and submerged roots.
- Adult size
- Adult size: 20-25 cm (8-10 inches)
- Life span
- 8-12 years
- Temperament
- Peaceful to moderately territorial; generally non-aggressive but may defend spawning sites; best kept in groups of 5+ to reduce aggression.
- Tank size
- Minimum 200 liters (53 gallons) for a group of 5-6; 300+ liters (79+ gallons) recommended for long-term stability and natural behavior.
- Water temp
- 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- pH range
- 5.5-7.0
- Diet
- Omnivorous; feeds on detritus, algae, small invertebrates, and plant matter in the wild; in captivity, accept high-quality spirulina-based pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional live/frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms.
- Other names
- Uaru amphiacanthoides
About the Uaru Cichlid
The Uaru Cichlid (Uaru amphiacanthoides) is a distinctive, disc-shaped fish known for its unique triangular body pattern and peaceful demeanor. Native to the tannin-stained blackwaters of the Amazon, it thrives in soft, acidic conditions with abundant driftwood and leaf litter. Juveniles display striking vertical bars that fade into a mottled olive-green adult coloration with a characteristic dark triangular patch near the dorsal fin. They are intelligent, social fish that recognize owners and exhibit complex group dynamics when kept in appropriate numbers.
Lifespan and health
With optimal care—stable soft acidic water, low stress, and a plant-rich diet—Uaru Cichlids commonly live 8-12 years, with exceptional specimens reaching 14 years in well-maintained biotope tanks; longevity is strongly correlated with consistent pH below 6.5 and nitrates under 15 ppm, as prolonged exposure to alkaline or polluted water accelerates organ failure and reduces lifespan by 30-50%. Common health issues include hole-in-the-head disease (linked to poor water quality and vitamin deficiency), bacterial infections from fin nipping in overcrowded tanks, and parasitic outbreaks like ich when introduced to new fish without quarantine; preventative measures include maintaining pH 5.5-6.5, feeding vitamin C-enriched foods monthly, and quarantining all new additions for 4-6 weeks before introduction.
Overview
The Uaru Cichlid (Uaru amphiacanthoides) is a distinctive, disc-shaped fish known for its unique triangular body pattern and peaceful demeanor. Native to the tannin-stained blackwaters of the Amazon, it thrives in soft, acidic conditions with abundant driftwood and leaf litter. Juveniles display striking vertical bars that fade into a mottled olive-green adult coloration with a characteristic dark triangular patch near the dorsal fin. They are intelligent, social fish that recognize owners and exhibit complex group dynamics when kept in appropriate numbers.
Care and tank setup
Tank setup should prioritize soft, acidic water with a fine sand substrate and abundant driftwood, rocks, and dense planting (e.g., Amazon sword, Java fern) to mimic natural blackwater habitats; provide shaded areas and hiding spots using caves or root tangles, as Uaru are shy and stress easily in bare tanks. Maintain water quality with weekly 25-30% water changes, using RO water remineralized to achieve 2-8 dGH and pH 5.5-7.0; avoid strong currents—gentle flow from a sponge filter or low-output canister is ideal, and keep nitrates below 20 ppm through consistent maintenance. Feed a varied diet 2-3 times daily in small portions: base diet of spirulina flakes or pellets (60%), supplemented with blanched vegetables (30%) and protein treats like bloodworms or daphnia (10%) 2-3 times weekly; overfeeding protein can cause bloat, so prioritize plant matter.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Uaru Cichlid, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.