Scientific name: Aequidens rondoni Common name: Acara cichlid Family: Cichlidae Usual size in fish tanks: 9 - 11 cm (3.54 - 4.33 inch) 0 14 Recommended pH range for the species: 6.3 - 7 Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 16°N (107.14 - 285.71ppm) 0°C 32°F 30°C 86°F Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F) The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning Where the species comes from: South America Temperament to its own species: peaceful Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller Usual place in the tank: Middle levels Food and feeding Feed these fish quality flake or cichlid pellets as the staple diet but also include treats of brine shrimp, blood worms, and chopped earth worms. Origin South America; Acara cichlids are to be found in the Amazonian River Basins of Brazil. Sexing Sexing can be difficult, it is best to purchase a group of juveniles and let them pair off if you wish to breed. Breeding Sometimes Acara cichlids can be difficult to breed; one way of getting them to spawn is to simulate a rainfall by dropping the water level for a couple of days and then raising it again. They are substrate spawners so provide them with flat rocks or similar to use as spawning sites. Both parents will protect the fry which can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp when they are free swimming. Lifespan The expected life span for Acara cichlid is 12 years. Short description As with most cichlids, these fish produce a lot of waste so good filtration with regular water changes are a must. Picture Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.