Guianacara dacrya

A Little More Information...

Introduction

The Guianacara dacrya, also known as Bandit Acara, is a rare South American cichlid native to Brazil. Its contrasting pattern, marked by a dark band across the head and eye, gives it a distinctive presence in a properly arranged aquarium. This species is especially appealing to aquarists who enjoy collectible cichlids and fish associated with specific natural localities. The specimens offered here are wild collected, and this species is available exclusively from Ton.Fish in Canada. Its territorial nature requires thoughtful planning of the aquarium layout, hiding places and potential tank mates.

General species description

The Guianacara dacrya belongs to Guianacara, a group of medium-sized South American cichlids associated with waterways in the northern part of the continent. It has a sturdy body, a relatively broad head and bottom-oriented behaviour. Like many cichlids, it explores the substrate, defends a small area and may become more territorial while breeding. In the aquarium, it benefits from a spacious setup structured with roots, smooth stones and shelters. Its status as a very rare fish makes it best suited to experienced aquarists. Wild specimens may require gradual acclimation and varied foods before fully accepting prepared diets.

Geographical origin and biotope

The Guianacara dacrya is native to Brazil, in the Amazon basin, particularly around the rio Arapiuns in Pará State. It inhabits soft-water environments where the bottom may combine sand, fine sediment, fallen leaves and woody debris. The natural habitat provides retreat areas among roots, submerged branches and stones along the waterway. In captivity, clean, well-oxygenated and stable water is essential; effective filtration and regular water changes are especially important for wild-collected fish. Moderate lighting, a shelter-rich layout and open swimming space are more suitable than a brightly lit aquarium packed with plants.

Precise locality and local name

The locality associated with the Guianacara dacrya is in the basin of the rio Arapiuns, in Pará State, Brazil, within the Amazon region. This precise geographic origin matters because Guianacara populations may differ in colouration and body form between river basins. The most commonly used trade name is Bandit Acara, referring to the dark marking across the eye and head. To preserve the value of this geographic form, it is best to keep collection information and avoid mixing these fish with Guianacara from unknown origins.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The Guianacara dacrya has a laterally compressed body, extended dorsal and anal fins, and a base colour ranging from silvery grey to pale brown. Its colour may intensify according to mood and social conditions. The most striking feature is the dark mask around the eye, combined with vertical bars or contrasting marks across the body. The fins may show bluish, yellowish or reddish shades, especially in mature fish that are in good condition. As with many cichlids, its pattern changes with stress, social rank and breeding activity. Wild individuals may look subdued when first received, then reveal stronger colours after calm acclimation and consistent water quality.

General diet

The Guianacara dacrya is an omnivore with bottom-oriented feeding habits that actively searches through sand and debris. Its diet may include small invertebrates, aquatic larvae, crustaceans and various organic materials. In the aquarium, offer a quality sinking cichlid pellet as a staple, supplemented with frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mosquito larvae and mysis shrimp. Small regular portions support good condition without overloading the water. For wild-caught fish, a gradual transition to prepared foods is preferable. Avoid an exclusively protein-rich diet and provide varied, digestible foods that suit its natural browsing and sifting behaviour.

Essential data

• Native river: rio Arapiuns
• Local name used: Bandit Acara
• Origin of the scientific name: Guianacara combines Guiana with acara, a South American vernacular term used for several cichlids; dacrya refers to a tear or tear-shaped mark.
• Etymology of the complete name: Guianacara essentially means “acara from Guiana”; dacrya is related to the Ancient Greek dakry, meaning “tear,” referring to the facial pattern.
• Common or vernacular names: Bandit Acara
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Cichlinae
• Name pronunciation: gee ah nah CAR ah - DACK ree ah
• Discovery: described by C. L. Arbour and H. López-Fernández in 2013
• Maximum adult size: approximately 12 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 29 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Waterway appearance and surrounding vegetation: soft Amazonian water, wooded banks, roots and submerged plant debris
• Typical tank mates: peaceful small characins, sturdy South American dwarf cichlids and similarly sized catfish, depending on aquarium size and individual temperament
• Temperament and behaviour: generally calm to moderately territorial; searches the bottom and defends an area, especially as a pair
• Water depth: shallow to intermediate sections of waterways
• Sexual dimorphism: external differences are subtle; size, fin shape and the genital papilla are more useful in mature breeding fish
• Bottom structure and flow: sand, fine sediment, leaves and submerged wood; low to moderate flow

In your aquarium

Success with the Guianacara dacrya depends on a mature aquarium, a layout that provides visual boundaries and stable water conditions. Use a smooth sand substrate, several shelters and regular water movement without excessive current. Since this is a very rare wild species, avoid sudden parameter changes and monitor feeding closely during the first few weeks. Keep it with peaceful fish of comparable size and remove overly aggressive tank mates. A calm environment, varied meals and excellent water quality will help maintain its condition and bring out its remarkable facial mask.