Pi228 Acarichthys heckelii (Heckel's thread-finned acara)
Pi228 Acarichthys heckelii (Heckel's thread-finned acara)
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Actinopterygii
Family:
Cichlidae
Genus:
Acarichthys
Species:
A. heckelii
Description:
This is a laterally-compressed, deep-bodied fish with a brownish-silver upper body, silvery flanks and a pale belly. There is a vertical black streak below the eye, a black blotch on the front few rays of the dorsal fin and a small black spot on the flanks below the centre of the dorsal fin. The species is native to the Amazon and Essequibo basins in tropical South America. It has been introduced to Singapore and other parts of southeast Asia, perhaps having originated from aquaculture or aquaria. A. heckelii is a benthic feeder, sifting through sand or mud on the river bed and feeding on the invertebrates present. The male fish has a harem of female fish.
IUCN Status:
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