Cichlid Uaru 7cm

Uaru

The Uaru is one of the only gentle giants from South America. Whilst most large South American cichlids are known to be super aggressive predators the Uaru can be kept with a wide array of smaller fish. They get to the size of an average dinner plate at around 25 cm long and when adults they have a very oval shape. along with its unique behavior of being a gentle giant the Uaru also goes through a very unique color change, as a juvenile, it resembles a fallen or dried leaf with reflective white spots. However, as this fish ages, it develops a large black oval on its body and has an array of sandal and brown undertones throughout its body. Though most might find the lack of flashy colors on this fish unappealing it really does make up for its behavior. Uaru is a big herbivore and has very similar behaviors to the discus fish which is a close relative of the Uaru. Uaru breeding in aquariums can be challenging but given the right conditions, they are great breeders and parents. usually digging a pit or laying eggs on a smooth, flat surface. it is fairly difficult to determine the gender-based external looks however it is often stated that adult males will have a more sloped head. The best method is to get a group and let them naturally pair off. 

Tank Recommendations for your Uaru

The Uaru is is a very peaceful fish but does get fairly large. It would be best to keep a group of Uaru in a tank that is at least 125 gallons (470 liters) and around 4 feet minimum width. Sand or small gravel substrate is fine for Uaru as they will occasionally pick at the food on the substrate. but for the aquascape overall it would be best to create a South American biotope with fallen leaf litter, pieces of driftwood, and dim lighting. Uaru is herbivores and will eat literally every plant you add to your aquarium so plants should be avoided.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Because of the peaceful nature of Uaru they can be kept with many species of tropical aquarium fish. They are big herbivores so keeping them with even nano fish is entirely possible and should be recommended.

Usually Compatible

Common aquarium species such as tetras, Corydoras, Apistogramma, Angelfish, rams, and many more. They can also be happily housed with other Uaru and would feel best with others of their species. 

Sometimes Compatible

Semi aggressive species such as black sharks or territorial medium-sized South American cichlids such as convicts, fire mouths, and species of a similar sort. 

Rarely Compatible

Large growing, highly aggressive species such as Oscars, jaguar cichlids, and red devil cichlids.

Feeding your Uaru 

The Uaru cichlid is very easy to feed. It will readily eat a wide range of foods being both dry, fresh, and frozen. Their diet should contain good quality herbivore cichlid pellets with high contents of spirulina or greens. They can also be given seaweed sheets and even occasional leaves of lettuce. Feeding should occur once a day and it is best to do so during the day.