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Uaru© Brent Tibbats / CC BY 3.0

Uaru

Uaru is a striking Amazonian cichlid known for its roughly triangular body shape and the large dark blotch on its flanks. Juveniles look almost like a different species, covered in scattered white spots that fade as they mature, making their growth especially interesting to watch. They have a unique breeding behavior in which fry feed on mucus secreted from their parents' skin, and the species requires warm water and soft water conditions to thrive. With its calm temperament and commanding presence, Uaru is best suited to experienced keepers looking for a substantial cichlid.

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About Uaru

Uaru is a triangular-bodied Amazonian cichlid whose spotted juveniles look nothing like the adults. It favors warm, soft water and suits experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Uaru

  1. 1Warm, Soft Water Needs

    As an Amazonian native, Uaru thrives in warm water with soft water chemistry. Stable equipment and experience maintaining consistent water parameters are important.

  2. 2Changing Colors With Growth

    Juveniles display scattered white spots and look almost like a different fish compared to adults. Watching the color pattern transform as they grow is part of the appeal.

  3. 3Adults Reach 25cm

    Adults grow to around 25cm, making Uaru a medium-to-large cichlid. Plan for a tank size that accommodates this eventual size from the start.

  4. 4Advanced Difficulty Level

    Uaru is considered suitable for experienced keepers, requiring careful water management and thoughtful tankmate selection. First-time cichlid keepers should research thoroughly beforehand.

  5. 5Fry Feed on Parental Mucus

    After hatching, Uaru fry feed on mucus secreted from their parents' skin, a distinctive parenting behavior. Anyone considering breeding should understand this life cycle trait in advance.

  6. 6Distinctive Shape and Blotch

    The roughly triangular body shape and the large dark blotch along the flanks are Uaru's signature visual traits, giving it a presence distinct from other cichlids.

  7. 7Tank Prep Before Arrival

    Given the adult size and water chemistry needs, prepare a sufficiently large tank with soft-water and heating equipment in advance. Also consider compatibility with potential tankmates.

Frequently asked questions about Uaru

Q.Can beginners keep Uaru?
A.Uaru is classified as suitable for experienced keepers. Since it requires a certain level of skill in water quality and temperature management, it's best approached after gaining experience with cichlids.
Q.Why do juveniles and adults look so different?
A.Juveniles display a distinctive pattern of scattered white spots, which gradually changes into the adult coloration with its triangular body and large dark blotch. This transformation is characteristic of Uaru.
Q.What tank size does Uaru need?
A.Since adults reach around 25cm, a correspondingly spacious tank is needed. It's wise to plan for a larger tank in advance to accommodate their eventual size.
Q.What water conditions should I watch for?
A.As an Amazonian cichlid, Uaru prefers warm, soft water. It's important to have equipment and a routine in place that can maintain stable water quality and temperature.
Q.Is Uaru subject to any legal regulation?
A.Uaru is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Uaru care

💧Aquarium Volume CalculatorCalculate water volume, weight, and heater wattage from tank dimensions🧪Water Quality CheckerFind compatible fish, shrimp, plants & corals based on pH, temperature & hardness🍽️Feeding GuideCheck feeding frequency, portion sizes & supplements by species and growth stage🤝Compatibility CheckerCheck compatibility between two species on a 5-level scale📊Fish Compatibility MatrixCheck fish compatibility at a glance with our matrix chart🔄Nitrogen Cycle GuideAuto-calculate bacteria colonization timeline for new tank cycling🗓️Seasonal Care CalendarMonthly care events and seasonal management tips at a glance🚿Water Change CalculatorAuto-calculate optimal water change frequency and volume by tank size and fish count🐠Stocking CalculatorCalculate max fish capacity for your tank size with overstocking alertsElectricity Cost SimulatorCalculate monthly and annual electricity costs for care equipment with presets🧬Breeding PlannerSelect parent varieties to view breeding schedules and offspring patterns🏞️Tank Layout PlannerGet substrate, plant & hardscape suggestions based on tank size and style🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity⚖️Species Comparison ToolCompare two species side by side: care difficulty, size, lifespan & temperature🎯Pet Match DiagnosticAnswer 7 questions to find your top 3 perfect pets📋Lifetime Cost SimulatorEstimate lifespan and lifetime costs by species for dogs, cats, reptiles and more🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance💊Medication Dosage CalculatorCalculate proper medication dosage by body weight and medicine type for fish, reptiles, and small animals⏱️Quarantine & Acclimation TimerManage quarantine periods and acclimation steps with countdown timers. Includes recommended durations by species

Learn more about Uaru in the encyclopedia

View Uaru encyclopedia entry →

Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

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