Black Acara (Two-spot Cichlid)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Wide range from the Orinoco basin to the Guianas and part of the Amazon. Found in coastal swamps, slow streams, canals and flooded areas with low current.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Black Acara (Cichlasoma bimaculatum). Type species of the Cichlasoma genus. Stocky and robust cichlid, reaches 20 cm (8 inches) in length. Rounded profile and stocky snout.

Social Behavior: Of a moderately aggressive nature compared to other cichlids, it digs tirelessly in the substrate moving sand and debris to model its territory.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Dark greenish-gray color ("Black Acara") with metallic reflections or iridescence. Takes its name from the two black ocelli ("bimaculatum"), one mid-flank and one on the caudal peduncle. Larger males with pointed fins.

Aquarium Setup: Tank of at least 120 cm (48 inches). The bottom must be fine sand to allow digging, topped by well-anchored rocks (or it will uproot everything). Live plants will be unearthed or eaten, better to use Anubias attached to wood.

Diet and Feeding: Very robust omnivore. Grinds practically everything: cichlid pellets, earthworms, snails (crushes them in its mouth), whole shrimp and pieces of vegetable. Not a picky eater.

Water Quality: Extremely adaptable to different chemical water conditions, preferring pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and medium-low hardness. Requires oversized mechanical filtration to manage the debris raised by digging.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal companion for armored Loricariids (Plecostomus), large Characins or other medium South American Cichlids that are not too belligerent (Geophagus, Severum). Will eat small fish (Neons) that fit in its mouth.

Aquarium Reproduction: Prolific breeders. They lay hundreds of eggs on carefully cleaned flat stones. Both parents explosively protect the larvae and parade the cloud of fry, defending a large perimeter.

Risks and Diseases: In small aquariums the aggression towards tankmates will become unbearable and lethal for the latter, especially during the mating season.