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Acará Negro

Manusear com cuidado

Cichlasoma portalegrense

Também conhecido como: Black Acara, Porto Alegre Cichlid

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Descrição

Cichlasoma portalegrense, commonly known as Acará Negro, is a medium-sized cichlid native to South America. It is characterized by its robust body, often dark coloration, and a distinct lateral spot. This species exhibits typical cichlid behaviors, including territoriality, parental care, and a varied diet. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its hardiness and interesting behaviors, though its aggressive tendencies require careful tankmate selection.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo
compressed
Coloração
Highly variable, ranging from olive-brown to dark grey or black, often with iridescent blue or green flecks on the scales. A prominent dark spot is usually present on the flank, sometimes extending into a lateral band. Fins may have reddish or yellowish tints, especially during breeding.
Tipo de escama
ctenoid
Posição da boca
terminal
Características distintivas
Robust, oval-shaped body, Large head with thick lips, Prominent dark lateral spot (ocellus) on the flank, Often exhibits a dark vertical bar through the eye, Can change coloration rapidly based on mood and environment
Nadadeira dorsal
Long, continuous dorsal fin with 15-17 spines and 9-11 soft rays. The spiny portion is typically longer than the soft-rayed portion.
Nadadeira caudal
Rounded to truncate caudal fin.
Nadadeira peitoral
Well-developed pectoral fins, typically clear or slightly colored.
Nadadeiras características
Anal fin with 6-8 spines and 7-9 soft rays. Pelvic fins are pointed.

Dicas de identificação

Lateral Spot

Look for the distinct, often prominent, dark spot on the middle of the flank. This is a key identifier.

Body Shape and Size

Its robust, somewhat oval and compressed body, reaching up to 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in total length, helps distinguish it from smaller or more elongated cichlids.

Coloration

While variable, the generally dark, often mottled coloration with iridescent flecks is characteristic. Breeding individuals may show intensified colors.

Head and Mouth

The relatively large head and thick lips are also good indicators.

Habitat

Tipo de água
freshwater
Profundidade
Typically found in shallow to moderate depths, often near the banks of rivers and lakes.
Ambiente
Inhabits slow-moving rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds, often in areas with dense vegetation, submerged roots, and rocky substrates. Prefers areas with some cover.
Distribuição geográfica
Native to the lower Paraná River basin in South America, specifically in southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul), Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina.

Informações sobre aquário

  • Nível de cuidado: intermediate
  • Temperamento: semi-aggressive
  • Alimentação: omnivore
  • Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 120 liters (30 gallons) for a single specimen, larger for a pair or community
  • Temperatura: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
  • Nível de pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Dureza da água: 5-15 dGH
  • Compatibilidade: Can be kept with other robust, similarly sized cichlids or larger, peaceful fish. Avoid very small or delicate species. Best kept as a pair or in a species-specific tank.
  • Requisitos especiais: Requires a well-filtered tank with plenty of hiding places such as caves, driftwood, and rocks. Substrate should be sand or fine gravel. Live plants may be uprooted. Good water quality is essential.

Informações no ambiente natural

  • Estado de conservação: least concern
  • Sazonalidade: Breeds during the warmer, rainy seasons in its natural habitat, typically spring and summer.
  • Preço de mercado: Low to medium for aquarium trade
  • 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.

Fatos principais

Parental Carebehavior

Like many cichlids, Cichlasoma portalegrense exhibits strong parental care, with both parents guarding eggs and fry vigorously.

Color Changebehavior

This species can rapidly change its coloration to blend with its surroundings or to display dominance/submission, making it a fascinating fish to observe.

Taxonomic Historyevolution

The genus Cichlasoma has undergone significant taxonomic revisions, with many species originally placed in Cichlasoma now reclassified into other genera. C. portalegrense remains within the 'true' Cichlasoma group.

Hardy Speciesinteresting

Acará Negro is known for its hardiness and adaptability to various water conditions, making it a relatively robust species for aquaculture and aquariums.

Informações de segurança

Manusear com cuidado
  • Nível de segurança: caution
  • Venenoso: Não
  • Comestibilidade: edible
  • Observações de manuseio: While not venomous, Cichlasoma portalegrense can deliver a painful bite if handled carelessly, especially larger specimens. Their dorsal and anal fin spines are sharp and can cause punctures. Use a net for transfer and avoid direct hand contact. They are territorial and can be aggressive towards other fish, particularly during breeding.

Espécies similares

Pearl Cichlid

Geophagus brasiliensis

While also having a lateral spot and similar range, Geophagus brasiliensis typically has a more elongated body, a more pointed snout, and often exhibits more prominent iridescent 'pearl' spots over its entire body. Its feeding behavior (sifting substrate) is also distinct.

Chanchita

Australoheros facetus

Australoheros facetus (formerly Cichlasoma facetum) is another cichlid from the same region. It can be very similar in appearance, especially in coloration and body shape. However, A. facetus generally has a more pronounced series of vertical bars, and its lateral spot might be less defined or part of a broader pattern. Taxonomic distinction often requires careful examination of meristic counts and subtle morphological differences.

Classificação científica

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

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