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Aequidens mariae, Eigenmann, 1922

Origin:Colombia, Brazil; West- and North-.

Etymology: Named after Maria........

Synonyms:Geophagus vittatus

First import:1973.

Description:See(bad) picture.

Care:Very peaceful fish, well suited for the larger community tank. Not very particular to watervalues, although soft, slightly acidic water is preferred. The fish require some hideouts that can be constructed from stones, driftwood and plants, and will form a territory around it that is defended against the other inhabitants.

Temperature:24-26 degrees.

Feeding: Live and frozen food.

Size:Males 15 cm, females 10cm.

pH: 6.0-7.5

Breeding:Similar to other aequidens species. After the up to 400 eggs are laid, the fish will protect the eggs. If the eggs hatch both parents will collect the fry in the mouth, and protect them there until the fry are free swimming. After that the fry are released, although in case of danger and during the night the fry are again collected by the parents. Fry will be cared for for at least 4 weeks, after which the parents should be removed.

Sexual dimorphism:Males are larger and have larger finnage.

Prices:Unk.

Additional:In nature the fish have probably adapted to their environment(relatively strong flowing rivers) by developing frown freespawners to partial mouthbreeders.

Picture references:Picture 1: E. Naus

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