HECKELII CICHLID
The Threadfin Acara, also referred to as the Heckelii Cichlid, are found in river basins and drainages of the northern Amazon Basin across Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Closely related to the genus Geophagus, however Threadfin acara do not seem to sift through the sand as rigorously and will spend a considerable amount of time hovering in the middle water column. Unless a pair of Threadfin acara are breeding, they are a rather peaceful cichlid and will not predate on even very small fish. Threadfin acara are social, preferring to be kept in groups of 5 to 8 individuals but even more are encouraged. This is important because Threadfin acara form a heirarchal dominance structure. Too few of individuals can result in weaker specimens as the target of constant antagonism by dominant individuals, or the group may behave more nervously and fail to settle in. Both male and females will have a yellow base coloration with a spectacular “gem” like appearance across their bodies, and can develop elaborate red filaments off of the dorsal and caudal fins