Saddle cichlid (Aequidens tetramerus)

Scientific name: Aequidens tetramerus Heckel, 1840

The Saddle cichlid (Aequidens tetramerus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–26°C (75–79°F).

Saddle cichlid care at a glance

Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

Biology

One of the most colorful species of the genus, especially during its reproductive period. Frequently occurs in zones with little current and over a substrate covered with vegetal debris. Caught frequently but not abundantly in most varied biotopes- in small creeks and flooded zones with clear, shallow and slow flowing water. Feeds primarily on insects, secondarily on fishes and plants. Very territorial. During reproduction, males attain a deeper coloration. About 1,000 eggs are released during spawning. Spawning takes place on stone or wood. Parents take care of juveniles. Maximum length 25 cm TL.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Aequidens tetramerus
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 16.2
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 4.9 - 7.5; dH range: 1 - 13.5 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: widely distributed in the Amazon River basin in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Bolivia. Also in the Tocantins and Parna?ba rivers, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, and in the Orinoco River basin of Venezuela and Colombia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec=1,000)