Threadfin Acara

Builds complex caves

This fish has a rather fascinating way of mating. The female builds caves in the sediment. The caves can be complex and have several entrances. Some entrances are intended to deceive – they don’t lead into the rest of the cave system. Once a female has chosen which male she wants to mate with, they swim into the caves and mate there. Sometimes they stay and make the cave their home for a while. The threadfin acara protects its fry, usually with the female guarding inside the cave while the male chases away enemies outside.

Sifts to get to their food

The threadfin acara inhabits rivers with slow-flowing water and soft sandy bottoms. The fish needs hiding places among rocks and bottom-dwelling plants. It sifts the sediment to find small animals that it can feed on.