Subfamily Geophaginae Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Scientific name Acarichthys heckelii Higher classification Acarichthys Order Perciformes | |
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Similar Acarichthys, Cichlid, Geophagus, Satanoperca, Geophagus altifrons | ||
Unboxing fish from imperial tropicals threadfin acara acarichthys heckelii
Acarichthys heckelii, commonly known as the threadfin acara or Heckell's thread-finned acara, is a South American species of cichlid fish. It is the only member of the genus Acarichthys and is native to rivers in the Amazon and Essequibo basins in tropical South America, and has become established in southeastern Asia. It is sometimes found in the aquarium trade.
Contents
- Unboxing fish from imperial tropicals threadfin acara acarichthys heckelii
- Threadfin acara acarichthys heckelii
- Taxonomy and etymology
- Description
- Distribution
- Ecology
- References
Threadfin acara acarichthys heckelii
Taxonomy and etymology
Acarichthys heckelii was first described in 1848 by the German zoologists J. P. Müller and Troschel as Acara heckelii, and in 1912 was placed by Eigenmann in the monotypic genus Acarichthys. The specific name honours the ichthyologyst Johann Jakob Heckel, director of the Vienna Museum of Natural History, who studied and catalogued fish sent to him by collectors. Its common name is the "threadfin acara", referring to the elongated, free rays at the posterior end of the dorsal fin.
Description
This is a laterally-compressed, deep-bodied fish with a brownish-silver upper body, silvery flanks and a pale belly. There is a vertical black streak below the eye, a black blotch on the front few rays of the dorsal fin and a small black spot on the flanks below the centre of the dorsal fin.
Distribution
The species is found in the Amazon and Essequibo Rivers and their tributaries. It is also present in Singapore and other parts of southeast Asia where it has been introduced, perhaps having originated from aquaculture or aquaria. It is one of about ten species of South American cichlid to have become established in this part of Asia.
Ecology
A. heckelii is a benthic feeder, sifting through sand or mud on the river bed and feeding on the invertebrates present. The male fish has a harem of female fish and spawning takes place in caves, with the nest being defended against other fish. Both parents care for the young and defend them, and the juveniles remain gregarious when independent of their parents.
