Saddle cichlid

Care at a glance

Overview

The saddle cichlid is one of the most widespread South American cichlids, a territorial fish for a roomy tank. It is easy to keep.

Caring for the saddle cichlid

A pair of saddle cichlids needs at least 53 gal (200 L). Provide wood, rocks and hardy plants for cover, and leave some open sand.

The saddle cichlid is hardy, and it does well at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) with a pH of 5.0 to 7.5. Feed pellets, frozen foods and live foods.

It gets territorial and pugnacious for its size, especially when breeding, so choose tank mates with caution. A pair lays its eggs on a cleaned flat surface, and both parents guard them. Breeding it is easy.

Good to know

Aequidens tetramerus was described by Heckel in 1840. Its common name comes from the dark saddle blotch on its flank, though its color and pattern vary a lot across its huge range. Other names include the saddle acara and Acara tetramerus.

In the wild

The saddle cichlid is found across the Amazon and Orinoco basins and the Guianas. It lives in slow streams, flooded forest, and both black and clear water, and it is highly adaptable.

Common questions

Related species

• 

  Diadem acara

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  5.9 in (15 cm) · 66 gal (250 L)

  5.9 in (15 cm)66 gal (250 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Epae acara

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• 

  Bigeye basketmouth

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• 

  Silver saum

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• 

  Diagramma cichlid

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• 

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