Uaru (Triangle Cichlid)
Uaru amphiacanthoides
Cichlidae
About
The uaru is a large, tall-bodied South American cichlid from the Amazon and Guyana river systems, built on the same disc-shaped plan as its relatives the discus and angelfish. Despite reaching 25 to 30 cm, it is remarkably gentle and rather shy, doing best in a shoal of five or more where it feels secure. It wants a big, tall tank with warm, soft, slightly acidic water, driftwood cover and dim, stable conditions.
Care
Keep a group of 5 or more in a tall 300 L+ tank with warm (27-30 C), soft, slightly acidic water, strong filtration and driftwood cover. Peaceful but sensitive; avoid boisterous tankmates and cold, hard, or dirty water.
Diet
Plant-leaning omnivore that grazes soft plant matter; feed vegetable-based pellets and blanched greens with occasional frozen meaty treats. Expect it to eat live aquarium plants.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (128)
Avoid (143)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- Extended finsStrong · from about 8 months, and later in a suppressed male
On many cichlids and killifish the male's dorsal and anal fins draw out into trailing points as he matures, while the female's stay rounded.
- VentingA hint only · only on a mature fish, easiest when she is in breeding condition
The method breeders use when the answer has to be right. Hold the fish upside down in a wet hand or soft net and look at the two openings ahead of the anal fin. The forward one is the anus; the one behind it is what you are reading.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Uaru (Triangle Cichlid) need?
- A Uaru (Triangle Cichlid) needs an aquarium of at least 300 litres (79.3 US gallons) with a footprint at least 120 cm (47.2 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Uaru (Triangle Cichlid) need?
- Uaru (Triangle Cichlid) does best at 26–30 °C (78.8–86 °F), pH 5–7 and a general hardness of 2–12 °dGH.
- What group size does a Uaru (Triangle Cichlid) need?
- Uaru (Triangle Cichlid) is a social species — keep a group of at least 5 so natural behaviour emerges and stress stays low.
- Is the Uaru (Triangle Cichlid) suitable for beginners?
- Uaru (Triangle Cichlid) is a demanding species best attempted with some experience — it needs stable, closely watched conditions to thrive.