Albino Threadfin Acara - 5cm

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Acarichthys heckelii
• Common Name: Albino Threadfin Acara
• Adult Size: 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 8 – 10 years
• Habitat: Native to the Amazon Basin and other parts of tropical South America. Found in slow-moving rivers and streams with soft, sandy substrates and submerged wood or leaf litter.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters) for a single adult or pair; larger if keeping with tank mates
• Ideal Temperature: 75°F – 82°F (24°C – 28°C)
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3 – 12 dGH)
• Temperament: Generally peaceful for a cichlid; can be kept in community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Becomes territorial, especially during breeding.

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes. Will accept a wide range of foods including high-quality pellets, flakes, live and frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia), and some plant matter. A varied diet helps maintain coloration and health.

Appearance

• Coloration: Albino variant is pale white to light pinkish with iridescent reflections. Red or pink eyes are a defining trait.
• Body Shape: Oval, laterally compressed body with elongated filamentous extensions (threads) on the dorsal and anal fins, more pronounced in males.

Distinctive Features

• Elegant "thread-like" fin extensions make it a visually striking species
• Displays mild cichlid aggression—more social than many South American cichlids
• Known for substrate-sifting behavior, often seen picking at the sand
• Exhibits parental care: both parents guard eggs and fry during breeding