Black acara (Cichlasoma bimaculatum)

Scientific name: Cichlasoma bimaculatum Linnaeus, 1758

The Black acara (Cichlasoma bimaculatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 16–24°C (61–75°F).

Black acara care at a glance

Temperature: 16–24°C (61–75°F)

Biology

Occurs in canals and swamps. Tolerates low oxygen. Feeds on crustaceans and insects. Males are bigger than females which become mature at 7 to 9 cm (20-25 g). Spawning occurs at the start of the rainy season. About 700 eggs are spawned on open substrate and are cared for by the parents. Max length 35 cm TL.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Cichlasoma bimaculatum
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 12.3
Common length: 12.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.0; dH range: 3 - 10 benthopelagic; catadromous
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Orinoco River basin, in the Caroni in River Venezuela; Guianas, from the Essequibo River to the Sinnamary River; Amazon River basin, in the upper Branco River basin.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tmax=20)