The Albino Threadfin Heckelii (Acarichthys heckelii) is a vibrant, selectively bred colour variant of the South American Threadfin Acara. Known for its striking "centerpiece" appearance, it features a pale white or yellow base body, red eyes, and spectacular red-orange thread-like filaments extending from its fins as it matures.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Characterised by a pearlescent white/yellow body with "gem-like" spots and deep orange to red coloration on the fins and lips.
Size: Reaches an adult length of approximately 7 to 8 inches (18–20 cm).
Temperament: Generally peaceful and social; they are best kept in groups of 5 or more to establish a healthy hierarchy.
Growth: They are known to be slow growers, often taking 2–3 years to reach full sexual maturity and maximum size.
Aquarium Care
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F).
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, ideally 6.0 to 7.5.
Hardness: Soft water is preferred.
Substrate: A sandy substrate is highly recommended as they exhibit sand-sifting foraging behaviours; coarse gravel can damage their gills.
Diet: Omnivorous and unfussy; they thrive on a varied diet of high-quality pellets, flakes, and frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp.
Compatibility: Suitable for community tanks with other peaceful, medium-sized South American cichlids (like Geophagus or Severums). Avoid very small fish that may be seen as prey or overly aggressive species.
Breeding
Difficulty: Often considered challenging to breed in home aquaria.
Behaviour: During spawning, they become more territorial and may dig large pits or "nests" in the substrate.
Requirements: Successful breeding usually requires pristine water quality and slightly higher temperatures.
SKU: RBM
