..................................Port cichlid
Other names:...........Black Acara, Port Acara Origin:......................Brazil Max size:..................6" PH:............-..............6.5-7.2 Temperature:...........64-75 F. Min tank size:..........35 gallons Food:.........................live foods, beef heart, worms, pellets, flakes |
The Port cichlid, or Black Acara, has a large head with a deep and very laterally compressed body. Its color varies depending upon its age. Juveniles rage from a green, blue or brown with a blue, red, or yellow sheen. Prominent longitudinal stripe runs along the body. When excited, the entire fish may turn black. The caudal and anal fins are pale to brownish green. The dorsal fin is bluish grey and pectoral fin is pale red. Females have browner fins, and the male usually has more green coloring to him.
The Port is one of the best cichlid parents there are. The fish breed very easily and show love and affection for their spawn. Very seldom has a case been reported in which the parents eat the eggs or the fry. Because of the ease of breeding, the market price is low. Because of the price drop, most commercial breeders no longer carry the fish. Along with being excellent parents, the fish are also fairly peaceful.
Feeding is not a problem. The port will take anything offered, including all types of live foods and store bought cichlid foods such as pellets and flakes. This fish generally stays along the bottom of the tank and prefers bogwood retreats. Floating plants are recommended. Generally sociable, except when mating.
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