© Brent Tibbats / CC BY 3.0Uaru
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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Apply as a breederUaru key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Lifespan
- 5-8 years
- Size
- 25cm
- Temperature
- 27〜30℃
- Diet
- Vegetable-based prepared foods, blanched vegetables
- Tank
- About 120 x 45 x 37.5cm (200 litres) for a pair. Arrange bogwood and include a flat stone as a spawning site.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 27-30C, pH 6.0-7.0, soft water up to 5 dGH. Maintaining warm, soft water is a precondition for keeping it.
- Tank Mates
- Peaceful, but tank mates must tolerate the elevated temperature. Tetras, angelfish and eartheaters are suitable.
- Diet & Feeding
- In captivity it favours plant matter. Base the diet on vegetable-based foods with blanched vegetables, and keep animal protein modest.
- Breeding & Spawning
- Spawns on a flat rock or piece of bogwood. The fry feed from the parents' slime coat, as discus fry do.
- Health & Notes
- Wild-caught fish demand soft, acidic water closely matching their habitat; captive-bred stock is less demanding.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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