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Potaro acara (Aequidens potaroensis) — Cichlidae

Potaro acara

Aequidens potaroensis
Family: Cichlidae

The Potaro acara (Aequidens potaroensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Potaro acara is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from northern South America. The species has a fairly deep, laterally compressed body with a fine colour pattern. It lives in fast-flowing blackwater streams and rivers. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant matter. Unlike the mouthbrooding cichlids, both parents lay the eggs on a fixed surface and together defend the eggs and larvae. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Potaro acara?

The Potaro acara has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Potaro acara live?

The Potaro acara lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Potaro acara get?

The Potaro acara grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Potaro acara dangerous to humans?

No, the Potaro acara is harmless to humans.

Is the Potaro acara edible?

The Potaro acara is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Potaro-cichlide sourced
English name
Potaro acara sourced
Scientific name
Aequidens potaroensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Aequidens

More from the family Cichlidae

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