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The Latin name for the species is Acara turquoise - Andinoacara rivulatus. The fish has a very bright color, the whole body is covered with scales that shine with a bright shade of blue. But these fish are interesting not only in such a pronounced color, but also in unusual behavior. What else is the feature of Akara?
Previously, turquoise and bluish-mottled akara belonged to the same species. But today, each species is considered as a separate species. Not everyone knows about this, so they are often confused. The separation is due to the fact that, despite the similarity, each of these species has its own individual characteristics that will distinguish them from each other.
Akara turquoise usually has larger sizes in comparison with bluish-spotty. In nature, this species can grow up to 25-30 cm.The second species usually reaches about 20 cm. Another difference of one species from another is that the male Akaras are turquoise, have reached puberty, have a pronounced lump on their heads, consisting of adipose tissue. In males of the second species, this bump is also present, but has smaller sizes.
In addition, a distinctive feature of the Akara turquoise is a large degree of aggressiveness. In many English-speaking countries, this fish is called the Green Terror, which can be translated as "green horror."
This view can be attributed to a rather unpretentious. Therefore, to take care of the fish is quite simple. But to get it better for those who have basic skills in caring for the aquarium. Akara needs to always have fresh and high-quality water in it, as well as the food she eats.
If you decide to purchase such a fish, it is important to remember that it, like many other large cichlids, needs a large aquarium. At an early age, the fish may well coexist in proximity to others, but the older they get, the more they show aggression. They are better kept with the same large and aggressive representatives.
Habitat in nature
Food for acara turquoise are insects, larvae. In addition, they can eat small fish and some invertebrates.
Description
Representatives of this species have a rather strong body. Their backs and anal fins are pointed. And the tail fin is rounded. Akara turquoise can be attributed to the large fish. As already noted, in the wild it can grow up to 30 cm. With an aquarium content, representatives of the species grow to about 15-20 cm
On average, akara can live for about 7-10 years. In this case, you must comply with the conditions of detention. Sometimes a fish can live longer. This is proven by some data.
Content issues
This fish has a very bright and beautiful appearance that attracts many aquarists. Everyone will want to have such an instance in their tank.But before acquiring a representative of this species, it is necessary to know some of the nuances associated with the contents of Akara. In addition, a person must have some experience. Beginners to buy such a fish is not recommended. Another difficulty is that the turquoise akara has a relatively large size as for an aquarium fish. In addition, she tends to show aggression. Therefore, for its maintenance requires a large aquarium. If several crayfish and other smaller fish coexist in the same aquarium, Akars will constantly terrorize their neighbors and keep them at bay. Therefore, it is recommended to settle no less strong and large fish in the same aquarium with acara.
Representatives of this species are sensitive to changes in the situation and water characteristics. Plant them should be those who already have experience of keeping large cichlids. If you have no experience, but you still really want to get them, then before that you need to prepare suitable conditions for Akara, and also study in detail all the rules and recommendations for their content.
Feeding
It is important to remember that turquoise akara is a predatory fish.She can eat any food, but sometimes she is able to show capriciousness. If you keep in the aquarium representatives of this species, it is desirable for them to select food with high calorie content. It could be a pipe builder, crickets, worms, etc. In addition, they can eat fish fillets, as well as shrimp and mussels. Today, in the pet store you can buy food, which is designed specifically for large cyclides. Such food is perfect for Akara, and will provide her with the supply of all the substances she needs. Sometimes it is possible to add variety to the Akara diet by adding worms or fish.
To feed brought more benefits to the fish, you can add herbal ingredients, for example, spirulina.
Feed Akare should be given twice a day. Sometimes it can be enough once, but the portion should not exceed the amount that the fish can eat at a time.
Content
As already mentioned, turquoise Akare need to provide enough free space. This applies to all large cichlids that originate from the waters of South America. To ensure the normal maintenance of a pair of turquoise cancer,You must have an aquarium of at least 300 liters. If there are more fish, then, accordingly, the volume of the aquarium should be larger.
In addition, for these fish it is very important that the water parameters have comfortable parameters for them. The temperature should be 20-24 degrees. In addition, turquoise Akaras feel good in water with a low level of hardness and a neutral pH. It is very important that the external filter has high power. It is also necessary to ensure that there is no ammonia and nitrates in the water.
In an aquarium it is necessary to provide a moderate level of lighting. The decor should be one that is usually suitable for cichlids. Basically, it snags and Kamki. Sand should be used as a primer. At the same time, plants are not recommended for decoration, as representatives of this species prefer to dig up the ground to match their needs. Therefore, all planted plants usually float.
Compatibility
For turquoise cancer, the most important condition for comfort is the availability of free space. If they have it, then the level of aggression will be less. Sometimes Akara can provoke other fish to the conflict itself.But there are representatives with a calmer character.
If we talk about the attitude to the fish of its kind, it is best to keep only one pair in one aquarium. Otherwise, fights can not be avoided. During spawning, it is better to seed them from each other, as the level of aggression increases.
With small cichlids that come from Africa, turquoise akara will not be able to coexist. She will either kill them or keep them in fear. Therefore, it is better to settle with them larger fish. These can be: astronotus, cichlasoma, parrots and others.
Sex differences
Breeding
Representatives of this species are bred for a long time. But there may be some problems. Not every pair of fish can coexist peacefully. Therefore, you need to buy a few fish. They will grow up and be determined with a couple.
When breeding it is necessary to maintain a water temperature of 25-26 degrees. The level of acidity of water can be slightly increased. A pair of crayfish cleans the snag or stone.Fish lays about 400 eggs. After a few days, the larva appears. And in 10 days the fry will already swim in the aquarium, which will feed on their own. To feed them you need chopped food or yolk. At first, they very slowly gain weight, but when they reach 2 cm, they start to grow faster.
Video: akara turquoise fish
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