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Acará

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Cichlasoma facetum

Também conhecido como: Chanchita, Chanchito, Mojarra, Black Acara, Pearl Cichlid

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Descrição

Cichlasoma facetum, commonly known as Acará or Chanchita, is a medium-sized cichlid native to South America. It is known for its robust body, variable coloration, and relatively aggressive, territorial behavior, especially during breeding. This species exhibits significant parental care and is a popular aquarium fish, though its size and temperament require careful consideration. It is also an important component of local freshwater ecosystems.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo
compressed
Coloração
Highly variable. Typically grayish-brown to olive-green, often with irregular dark blotches or vertical bars that can intensify or fade depending on mood, stress, or breeding status. Some individuals may display a yellowish or reddish tint. Fins are often dusky, sometimes with iridescent spots.
Tipo de escama
ctenoid
Posição da boca
terminal
Características distintivas
Robust, oval-shaped body, Large head with thick lips, Prominent nuchal hump in mature males, especially during breeding, Irregular dark blotches or vertical bars along the flanks, Often has a dark spot on the caudal peduncle and another below the dorsal fin
Nadadeira dorsal
Long, continuous dorsal fin with 15-17 spines and 9-11 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.
Nadadeira caudal
Rounded to slightly truncate caudal fin.
Nadadeira peitoral
Well-developed, fan-shaped pectoral fins.
Nadadeiras características
Anal fin with 7-9 spines and 7-9 soft rays. Pelvic fins are pointed.

Dicas de identificação

Body Shape and Size

Look for a robust, oval-shaped body, typically growing up to 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) in length, though some individuals can reach 30 cm (12 inches).

Coloration and Pattern

Observe the variable grayish-brown to olive-green base color with irregular dark blotches or vertical bars. A prominent dark spot on the caudal peduncle and another below the dorsal fin are common.

Head and Mouth

Note the large head, thick lips, and terminal mouth. Mature males often develop a noticeable nuchal hump on their forehead.

Fin Structure

Examine the long, continuous dorsal fin with a spiny anterior portion and a rounded to slightly truncate caudal fin.

Habitat

Tipo de água
freshwater
Profundidade
Typically found in shallow to moderate depths, usually less than 5 meters.
Ambiente
Inhabits a variety of freshwater environments including rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and lagoons. Prefers areas with submerged vegetation, roots, and rocky substrates for shelter and breeding. Tolerant of a range of water conditions.
Distribuição geográfica
Native to southeastern South America, primarily in the lower Paraná River basin, Uruguay River basin, and coastal drainages of southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. Introduced to other regions, including parts of North America and Europe, due to its popularity as an aquarium fish.

Informações sobre aquário

  • Nível de cuidado: intermediate
  • Temperamento: semi-aggressive
  • Alimentação: omnivore
  • Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 150 liters (40 gallons) for a single specimen, larger for a pair or community
  • Temperatura: 20-26°C (68-79°F)
  • Nível de pH: 6.5-7.5
  • Dureza da água: 5-15 dGH
  • Compatibilidade: Can be kept with other robust, similarly sized cichlids or large, peaceful fish. Avoid small, timid, or long-finned species. Best kept as a pair or in a species-specific tank.
  • Requisitos especiais: Requires a well-filtered tank with plenty of hiding places (rocks, driftwood, caves) and open swimming areas. Substrate should be sand or fine gravel as they enjoy digging. Live plants may be uprooted. Good water quality is crucial.

Informações no ambiente natural

  • Estado de conservação: least concern
  • Sazonalidade: Breeds year-round in suitable conditions, with peaks during warmer, rainy seasons in its native habitat.
  • Preço de mercado: Low to moderate for aquarium trade; negligible for food fish.
  • Importância comercial: low
  • Sabor: Mild, slightly earthy
  • Textura: Flaky, firm
  • Métodos de preparo: Fried, Baked, Grilled
  • Valor nutricional: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, typical for freshwater fish.

Fatos principais

Parental Carebehavior

Cichlasoma facetum exhibits strong biparental care, with both male and female guarding eggs and fry aggressively. They will defend their territory fiercely during this period.

Color Changebehavior

The coloration of C. facetum can change dramatically based on its mood, stress levels, and breeding status. Darker patterns often indicate aggression or readiness to breed, while lighter colors may signify stress or submission.

Nuchal Humpbehavior

Mature male Cichlasoma facetum often develop a prominent fatty hump on their forehead (nuchal hump), which becomes more pronounced during breeding season and is a sign of sexual maturity and dominance.

Introduced Speciesinteresting

Due to its hardiness and popularity in the aquarium trade, Cichlasoma facetum has been introduced to various non-native habitats around the world, sometimes establishing feral populations.

Informações de segurança

Manusear com cuidado
  • Nível de segurança: caution
  • Venenoso: Não
  • Comestibilidade: edible
  • Observações de manuseio: Cichlasoma facetum is not venomous, but its strong bite and aggressive nature, especially during breeding, warrant caution when handling. Use a net to transfer and avoid direct contact with hands to prevent nips or scratches. They can be quite powerful and may jump out of nets.

Espécies similares

Texas Cichlid

Herichthys cyanoguttatus

While similar in body shape and territoriality, the Texas Cichlid typically has iridescent blue-green spots over a darker body, lacking the distinct irregular blotches of C. facetum. Its native range is also different (southern USA and Mexico).

Green Terror

Andinoacara rivulatus

Green Terrors are generally more brightly colored with iridescent green and blue scales, especially on the operculum and fins. They also have a more pronounced nuchal hump and different facial markings compared to C. facetum.

Jack Dempsey

Rocio octofasciata

Jack Dempseys are typically darker, often purplish-black, with bright blue-green iridescent spots scattered over the body and fins. Their body shape is generally more elongated than C. facetum.

Classificação científica

Reino
Animalia
Filo
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordem
Cichliformes
Família
Cichlidae
Gênero
Cichlasoma
Espécie
facetum

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