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Golden acara (Aequidens viridis) — Cichlidae

Golden acara

Aequidens viridis
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Golden acara (Aequidens viridis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
16.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northern South America
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The green acara is a cichlid from fresh water of northern South America. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a stocky, greenish to olive body that gleams metallically in breeding dress. It lives in slow rivers, streams and pools, where it searches the bottom for insect larvae, worms and plant remains. As a caring parental fish the pair guards the eggs laid on stone and the young. The fish is harmless to humans and appears in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Golden acara?

The Golden acara has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern. Olive-green body with a metallic sheen; caring parent fish

Where does the Golden acara live?

The Golden acara lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern South America

How big does the Golden acara get?

The Golden acara grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Golden acara dangerous to humans?

No, the Golden acara is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Golden acara edible?

The Golden acara is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Golden acara verified
Scientific name
Aequidens viridis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Northern South America verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insect larvae, worms and plant remains inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
River cichlid with parental care; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Olive-green body with a metallic sheen; caring parent fish sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

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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