Red Port Acara (Cichlasoma portalegrense)

Scientific Name(s): Cichlasoma portalegrense, Acara portalegrensis, Aequidens portalegrensis, Cichlasoma portalegrensis

 

Common Name(s): Red Port Acara

 

Family: Cichlidae

 

Species Type: South American Cichlids

 

Maximum Size: 5 inches

 

Life Span: 6 years

 

Natural Habitat: South American rivers

 

Minimum Tank Size: 29 gallons

 

Tank Region: All over.

 

Possible Tank Mates: Other smaller south american cichlids, plecos or catfish.

 

Description: A very nice fish. Not exceptionally colorful, but very attractive all the same. The males, when full grown, will develope fin rays over an inch long, on their pectoral and caudel fins. They are full of deep rich colors, like burgandy, and dark yellows. As well as dark blues. They are very gentle with other tank mates, and only aggressive when breeding. But, even when breeding, they are only territorial, and not overly aggressive. They will not harm anything that does not come near their spawning site.

 

Temperature Range 65°F - 76°F

60°F

65°F

70°F

75°F

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90°F

 

pH Range 6.4 - 7

pH 5.0

pH 6.0

pH 7.0

pH 8.0

pH 9.0

 

Hardness 1° - 10°

0°

10°

20°

30°

40°

 

Breeding Information: To initiate breeding use a pH of 7.0 and a higher temperature of 76°F. The eggs are laid on carefully cleaned rocks. These fish will breed in higher ph though, but their natural ph is best. They make terrific parents and even form a nuclear family, as you may see fry from several previous spawns, hanging around the parents, while they are fanning eggs. After the eggs hatch, about 3 days, the parents move the wigglers to a pit, where they guard them until they become free swimming at 4 or 5 days.

 

Sexing Information: Difficult to determine. But the males will develope fin extensions on the pectoral and caudal fins, when they become fully grown. When fully grown the females will be slightly smaller in size. But, they will spawn at about 3 inches, or 7.5 cm. A long way from fully grown.

 

Diet: Carnivorous - Does well with flake or pellet foods.

 

Temperment: Peacful for a cichlid but can become territorial when spawning.

 

Common Diseases: None specific to species.

 

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Red Port Acara (Cichlasoma portalegrense)