Acaronia vultulosa
Acaronia vultulosa or Acaronia columbiana can be found in nature over a fairly large area in the Orinoco River system in Colombia, Venezuela, and in the Rio Negro in Brazil. They are also found in the tributaries of the Rio Casiciare, Rio Inirida, Rio Caura, and Rio Vichada.
Acaronia vultuosa was described in 1989 by Cullander. The genus has only two species, the second species being Acaronia curvacea (Acaronia nassa). Although this fish is found over a large area in South America, there is little information about it and it is very rare to find them on sale.
The males of Acaronia vultulosa are slightly larger than the females. Their maximum length is about 15 centimeters. Females are usually no more than 12 centimeters. The color is pale gray-brown. Depending on their emotional state, a black pattern can sometimes be seen on the head. Also on the sides, in the upper sati of the body can be seen a black spot, which can also form a black horizontal line.
Acaronia columbiana is a territorial fish. Keep these fish preferably in pairs in a species aquarium, a volume of 250 liters and a length of 1,5-1,8 m. May be kept in a common aquarium with other large cichlids.
The aquarium should be densely planted. In natural conditions, these fish live in overgrown river shallows, where they stalk their prey. Use sand or small dark-colored gravel as substrate. In the corners of the aquarium is desirable to place piles of large rocks with chasms between them, which could freely swim fish. Instead of stones can be placed at the bottom of ceramic pots of suitable size.
Water parameters: temperature 25-28° C, hardness dH 10-12°, pH 6,0-7,5. Requires filtration, aeration and a weekly change of ¼ of the aquarium water with fresh water.
In the wild, Acaronia vultulosa feeds on fish. It has a rather large mouth and will eat anything that fits in it. For the same reason, they are difficult to keep in an aquarium with other fish. In aquariums, fish are fed with bloodworms, fish meat, shrimp and oysters. Food is given 1-2 times a day.
Reproduction
There is very little information about the reproduction of Acaronia vulthulosa in aquarium conditions. It is known that stimulate spawning by gradually lowering the water temperature to 24° C and then sharply increasing it to 30° C.
Female lays eggs in a hole previously dug in the ground. After three days, the larvae hatch from the eggs, which for 2-3 days, feeding on nutrients located in their yolk sacs, and then begin to swim and feed freely. Producers take care of the eggs and fry.
The fry are fed Artemia nauplii 3-4 times a day.
Life expectancy of Acaronia vultulosa under aquarium conditions is about 6-7 years.
