🐟 ALBINO THREADFIN ACARA – COMPLETE INFORMATION

🧬 Scientific Name:

Acarichthys heckelii (Albino Morph)

📛 Common Names:

Albino Threadfin Acara, Albino Heckelii Acara, Albino Threadfin Cichlid

🌍 Origin & Natural Habitat

• Native Range: Amazon and Orinoco River basins, South America (Brazil, Peru, Guyana)

• Habitat: Slow-moving waters with sandy or muddy substrate, submerged roots, and leaf litter

• Albino Variant: Bred in captivity; not found in wild populations

🧰 Care Level:

Moderate – Requires stable water conditions and adequate space

📏 Physical Characteristics

Thread-like extensions from dorsal and caudal fins give this species its name.

🏡 Tank Requirements

Albino fish are sensitive to harsh lighting. Use shaded areas and floating plants.

🤝 Temperament and Behavior

• General Behavior: Peaceful and shy for a cichlid

• Social Structure: Can be kept singly or in pairs; avoid keeping with aggressive tank mates

• Swimming Zone: Middle and bottom levels

✅ Good Tank Mates:

• Corydoras

• Rainbowfish

• Severums

• Keyhole cichlids

• Angelfish

• Larger tetras (e.g., Congo tetras)

• Bristlenose Plecos

❌ Avoid with:

• Aggressive cichlids (Oscars, Jack Dempseys)

• Fin-nipping fish (Tiger Barbs)

• Small shrimp (may be eaten)

🍽️ Diet

• Feeding Frequency: 2 times per day

• Note: A varied diet enhances fin growth, color, and immune health.

🐣 Breeding

• Breeding Type: Substrate spawner

• Pairing: Monogamous, forms pairs naturally when kept in groups

• Spawning Surface: Flat rocks or dug pits in substrate

• Fry Care: Both parents guard eggs and fry

• Hatching Time: Eggs hatch in 2–3 days; fry free-swimming by day 5–6

Provide flat rocks and soft substrate for digging behavior during breeding.

⚕️ Common Health Issues

Health Tips:

• Quarantine new fish

• Maintain pristine water conditions

• Use high-quality foods to support growth and immune health

🧼 Tank Maintenance

• Weekly 25–30% water change

• Vacuum substrate to remove waste

• Clean filters monthly

• Monitor water parameters regularly (Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, pH)

📌 Quick Facts Recap

💡 Fun Facts

• The thread-like fins make this species a graceful swimmer and centerpiece fish.

• Albino Threadfin Acaras are more peaceful than most cichlids, making them ideal for planted or semi-aggressive community tanks.

• Their intelligence allows them to interact with owners and even be trained to eat from your hand.

IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.