.......................................Uaru
Other names:...........Waroo, Triangle cichlid Origin:......................Amazon and Guyana Max size:..................12" PH:............-..............6.2-7.4 Temperature:...........78-82 F. Min tank size:..........75 gallons Food:.........................live foods, beef heart, flakes, pellets |
The Uaru is a peaceful, schooling cichlid. They have a body similar in shape to Cichlasoma severum, but grey in color. They have a thick black marking that runs from their gills to their caudal fin, where the black marking is met with a black dot. A fully grown Uaru develops a heavy cushion of fat about the neck.
The Uaru needs a tank with a gravelly bottom and rocks with caves for hiding places. Plants are not needed so much for this species, so lighting in the tank should be subdued to make up for the lack of plants. This species is closely related to Cichlasoma psittacus but has different teeth and coloring in the body and fins. There is a good chance that if you see an Uaru in your local pet shop that it is a wildcaught fish; captive-bred specimens are rare.
The Uaru is one of the most difficult cichlids to breed. An open breeder, the female prefers spawning in darker places on rocks or plants, dropping 300 or so eggs. The addition of peat to the water is recommended. This species only pair during spawning season, when the males become less tolerant of other fishes.
We appreciate your feedback.