Uaru Cichlid (2.5-3”)

Scientific Name:

Uaru amphiacanthoides

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Size: Up to 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)

• Lifespan: Typically 8–10 years with proper care

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (284 liters) for a pair

• Larger tanks (125+ gallons) are strongly recommended for groups or community setups

Water Changes and General Care:

• Water Change: 30–50% weekly

• Temperature: 80–84°F (27–29°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic preferred
  

• Filtration: Strong biological and mechanical filtration is essential

• Décor: Use driftwood, smooth stones, and hardy plants (though they may nibble)

Care Level: Moderate. Uarus are sensitive to poor water quality and need stable, warm, and soft water conditions.

Tankmates:

Uarus are generally peaceful, but can be territorial when breeding. Suitable tankmates include:

• Peaceful South American species like:

  • Severums, Geophagus, Silver dollars, Small and Large Plecos, Flagtail Prochilodus, Arowana (In a large setup 250g+), Tinfoil Barbs, etc.

Avoid:

• Aggressive Cichlids

• Fin-nippers or small delicate species

Diet:

Omnivorous with a strong herbivorous tendency

• Staples: High-quality cichlid pellets, spirulina-based pellets, Xtreme Big Fella, Northfin Cichlid Formula, or Hikari Cichlid Gold.

• Occasional protein treats: Chopped shrimp/tilapia, bloodworms (1-2 feeding per week max)

Feeding 1-2 times a day is ideal with 1 day for them to fast to avoid bloating.

Overview:

Uaru Cichlids, sometimes called Triangle Cichlids, are known for their unique oval shape, calm temperament, and intelligence. They are highly social, forming strong pair bonds and often showing signs of recognition toward their owners. Juveniles sport a striking spotted blotch which fades with age, replaced by a more uniform olive-brown adult coloration.

They thrive best in groups or pairs, and they demand high water quality, making them more suitable for experienced aquarists.

Natural Environment:

• Habitat: Found in slow-moving, tannin-rich blackwater rivers and floodplain lakes of the Amazon Basin, particularly in Brazil and Peru

• Water Conditions: Warm, soft, and acidic waters with heavy vegetation and submerged wood

Breeding:

• Breeding Type: Biparental substrate spawners

• Pair Formation: Form monogamous pairs; selecting a bonded pair is ideal

• Spawning Surface: Typically flat rocks, driftwood, or broad plant leaves

• Egg Laying: Female lays up to 100–200 eggs, guarded by both parents

• Parental Care: Uarus are excellent parents, fanning and guarding eggs and fry

• Fry Care: Once hatched, fry can feed off parental skin mucus (similar to Discus), then be transitioned to live baby brine shrimp and powdered fry food

Breeding is challenging in captivity due to their water requirements and parental behavior, but it is possible in a stable, stress-free environment.