Care
Originally imported as Krobia sp. 'Red Cheek' this acara relative is native to shallow streams of the Xingu drainage. This region is home to many of the familiar L number plecs and is characterised by warm temperatures and high oxygen levels. This fish is reported from slower-flowing stretches, where it feeds on invertebrates in areas that provide cover in the form of plants or tangles of waterlogged wood.
Their aquarium should be biologically mature and spacious, with a large expanse of soft sand substrate as these fish like to sift through the substrate in their ongoing search for food items. Provide plenty of hiding places amongst tangles of driftwood, rocky caves, and robust planting. Filtration should be efficient with areas of moderate water movement and some calmer resting spots out of the current. Frequent partial water changes will help keep nitrate to a minimum, particularly important as this species is sensitive to deteriorating water conditions. Unless breeding, Krobia are generally peaceful, and don't tend to bother any tankmates too large to swallow. Wild fish are found in loose aggregations and keeping a small group will generally keep them busy with one another, as well as allowing them to select their own partner at spawning time. These cichlids will benefit from the company of shoaling species such as deep-bodied tetras, hatchetfishes or even barbs and rainbowfishes.
These are typical Acaras and would have previously been lumped together with Aequidens prior to more meaningful designation into a genus which contains a few other related species. All are fairly placid but stocky fishes which are more peaceful than some of the popular Dwarf cichlids when housed in a spacious community aquarium.
Feeding
Omnivorous and will accept most aquarium foods offered. They prefer fine-particle foods which sink. Try to keep it varied with good quality flakes, granules, sinking pellets, and a mixture of frozen foods such as Daphnia, white mosquito larvae, bloodworm, vitamin/Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis, and chopped krill/prawns.
Breeding
Typical biparental substrate spawner. Soft, acidic water is important to trigger spawning and large water changes (with warm water) can provide an extra stimulus to well-conditioned but otherwise reluctant fishes. A pair will select a spawning site, usually on a horizontal hard surface, and adopt spawning colours to warn other fishes of their territorial claim. Once the eggs hatch, wriggling fry are transferred to a pit before they become free swimming. The young can be offered baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) and crushed flake foods.
