Fishician®Diet
Omnivore – cichlid pellets, frozen mysis, blackworms, brine shrimp; sifts sand for food
Aquarium species profile
Threadfin Acara
Acarichthys heckelii · South America (Amazon and Orinoco basins — Brazil, Venezuela, Peru)
Minimum tank75 gal
Adult size7"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentPeaceful
Temperature76–84°F
pH range5.5–7.0
Compatible tank mates
Large peaceful fish, other eartheaters, large tetras, corydoras
Tank mates to avoid
Aggressive cichlids, tiny fish
Care notes
Spectacular elongated dorsal and anal fin filaments on males. Golden body with spotted pattern. Sand-sifter like other eartheaters — needs fine sand substrate. Peaceful despite size. One of the more underrated South American cichlids. Requires soft, acidic water. Beautiful and unique-looking fish.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.