Un peu plus d'informations...

Aequidens metae (Andinoacara), also known as Yellow Acara, is a South American cichlid from Colombia, associated with the río Meta basin. This species combines a robust body, subtle coloration enhanced by bluish reflections, and the territorial behavior typical of acaras. It is suitable for a spacious aquarium furnished with rocks, sand, and hiding places. Its temperament becomes more assertive during breeding, but it is generally easier to keep than several large Central American cichlids. With a rarity rating of 1 out of 3, Aequidens metae (Andinoacara) is a relatively accessible species for aquarists.

General description of the species

Aequidens metae (Andinoacara) is a medium-sized cichlid currently placed in the genus Andinoacara. It mainly inhabits calm or moderately flowing sections of Colombian waterways, where it searches the bottom for food. In the aquarium, it benefits from clean, well-oxygenated water and a layout containing flat rocks, roots, and shelters. Its behavior is usually peaceful outside spawning periods, when a pair vigorously defends its territory. It is a hardy fish, but keeping it successfully requires adequate space and thoughtful selection of tank mates of similar size.

Geographic origin and biotope

The species originates from Colombia, in the río Meta basin, an important tributary of the Orinoco. It inhabits tropical rivers and tributaries that generally have clear to slightly stained water, with sand, gravel, or stone bottoms and abundant streamside vegetation. The banks provide roots, submerged branches, and shaded areas, while current strength changes with the seasons. In an aquarium, efficient filtration and good water movement recreate this setting better than stagnant water. A temperature of 24 to 28 °C is well suited to its care.

Precise location and local name

The distribution of Aequidens metae (Andinoacara) is associated with the río Meta and its tributaries in eastern Colombia, within the Orinoco basin. The most widely used trade name is Yellow Acara. In local communities, cichlids of this type may be referred to by general regional names associated with acaras, but Yellow Acara remains the most practical name for identifying this species in the specialized aquarium trade. Its habitat is associated with inland freshwater environments, away from brackish or marine conditions.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Aequidens metae (Andinoacara) has an oval, laterally compressed body, a relatively broad head, and a continuous dorsal fin. Its base coloration ranges from olive gray to yellowish brown, with blue-green reflections on the head and flanks. A dark mark may be visible on the side, depending on mood, age, and lighting conditions. The fins may show bluish or orange tones. Adults reach approximately 15 to 20 cm in aquariums, depending on diet and available space. Individuals often become more strongly marked when breeding or defending a territory.

General diet

Aequidens metae (Andinoacara) is an omnivore with a preference for animal-based foods and benefits from a varied diet. Its meals can include quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis, and bloodworms, as well as small prey suitable for its size. Occasional vegetable ingredients help maintain a balanced diet. Small portions should be offered and consumed quickly to protect water quality. A varied diet supports better coloration, healthy growth, and stable condition, especially in pairs defending a spawning site.

Essential data

• River of origin: Río Meta
• Local name used: Yellow Acara
• Origin of the scientific name: The name Aequidens predates the placement of the species in Andinoacara.
• Full-name etymology: Aequidens means equal teeth; Andinoacara combines a reference to the Andes with acara, a term used for several South American cichlids; metae refers to the río Meta.
• Common/vernacular names: Yellow Acara
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Cichlinae
• Name pronunciation: ee-kwee-dens meh-tay-ee — an-dee-no-ah-kah-rah meh-tay-ee
• Discovery: Carl H. Eigenmann, 1922
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 20 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; pH 6.5 to 7.5
• Appearance of the watercourse and surrounding vegetation: Clear to slightly stained tropical waterways with rocks, sand, submerged branches, and dense streamside vegetation
• Typical tank mates: Small Colombian characins, similarly sized loricariids, peaceful South American cichlids, and robust bottom-dwelling fish
• Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful, territorial as a pair, and protective during breeding
• Water depth: Shallow to moderately deep areas near banks and submerged structures
• Sexual dimorphism: Adult males are often larger and more elongated; differences may remain subtle outside breeding
• Bottom structure and flow: Sand, gravel, and stone substrate; low to moderate flow depending on the area

In your aquarium

To keep Aequidens metae (Andinoacara) successfully, provide a spacious aquarium, a stable layout, and several broken lines of sight created by rocks or roots. Well-filtered water, regular water changes, and a varied diet are essential. Avoid tiny or overly timid tank mates, which may be intimidated by its territorial behavior. A breeding pair will require additional space and peace. A combination of a sandy substrate, hiding places, and water maintained at 24–28 °C encourages natural behavior and good overall condition.