The Threadfin Acara, also called Heckel’s Threadfin Acara, is a type of cichlid fish from South America. Its scientific name is Acarichthys heckelii. It’s the only kind in the Acarichthys group.
Threadfin Acara lives in Amazon and Essequibo river basins in tropical South America but is also found in southeast Asia. People sometimes keep these fish as pets in aquariums.
The Threadfin Acara can grow up to 7.9 inches (20 cm) long.
Threadfin Acara Interesting Facts
- Unique species: The Threadfin Acara (Acarichthys heckelii) is the only kind in its group.
- Widespread habitat: Found in South America’s Amazon and Essequibo river basins and also in southeast Asia.
- Ideal conditions: Prefers water temperatures between 73.4°F to 78.8°F, with a hardness of at least 18 dH.
- Nesting habits: Known for hole-nesting, where it lays eggs in holes.
Threadfin Acara Habitat
Threadfin Acara is found in South America, mainly in the Amazon River across Peru, Colombia, and Brazil.
It also lives in parts of the Putumayo, Trombetas, Negro, Xingu, Tocantins, Capim rivers, and Branco River (part of the Amazon basin) in Brazil and Guyana. Additionally, it’s found in the Essequibo River in Guyana.
The Threadfin Acara is a freshwater fish that swims near the bottom (benthopelagic). It moves within river systems (potamodromous) rather than migrating to oceans.
Threadfin Acara’s preferred water hardness ranges from 18 dH or higher. The ideal water temperature for this tropical species is between 73.4°F to 78.8°F (23°C to 26°C).
| Water Temperature: | 73.4°F to 78.8°F (23°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | 18 dH and above |
Threadfin Acara Physical Characteristics
Size: 7.7 inches (19.5 centimeters)
Size and Weight: Threadfin Acaras can grow up to 7.7 inches (19.5 cm) in length and weigh up to 9.74 ounces (276 grams).
Threadfin Acara Reproduction
Threadfin Acara is known for laying its eggs in holes, which is called hole-nesting.
Threadfin Acara Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Acarichthys |
| Scientific Name: | Acarichthys heckelii |
| Also Known As: | Threadfin Acara, Heckel’s Threadfin Acara |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |