Caquetaia spectabilis

Description

Caquetaia spectabilis

Caquetaia spectabilis is a calm, large cichlid that should not be kept with smaller fish, because they think it is food and they will eat them. The aquarium should be set up with large plants, stones and driftwood. In the middle you should leave enough free swimming space. They eat a lot, so a good filter and a regular changing of the water are necessary.

A full grown specimen can grow to about 25 centimeters in length. They are fast growing and reach the 25 centimeters after two years. They stay smaller than their cousins Caquetaia umbrifera. Males show more colour and are larger than the females.

This species was first described in 1875 by Franz Steindachner (1834-1919).

Synonyms: Acara spectabilis, Caquetaia spectabile.

Origin

South America; Brazil and Guyana.

Diet

His large mouth tells that he can eat large peaces of food, he is a real predator and eats beef heart, small fish and shrimp. Dry food is accepted as well.

Breeding Caquetaia spectabilis

Breeding Caquetaia spectabilis is not difficult with a good matching couple. Several hundreds to up to a thousand eggs are laid and fertilized on a flat substrate. After 4 days the eggs hatch. The fry are moved in hiding places between rocks. Both patents care for them. The young fishes can be raised with newly hatched brine shrimp.

The fry will grow fast when supplied with multiple feeding. Be ware that when they are not fed enough the fry will become cannibalistic.

Video

Authors

Jan Bukkems – Aquavisie
John de Lange

Copyright images

Jeff Rapps – Tangledupincichlids.com