Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded acara (Bujurquina vittata) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The chameleon cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from southern South America, including the Parana-Paraguay basin. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a yellow-brown body with a dark lengthwise band that fades or appears depending on its mood, hence the name. It lives in shallow zones of rivers. It is a larvophile mouthbrooder: both parents defend the eggs and take the newly hatched yolk-sac larvae into their mouths. As an omnivore it feeds on insects, small invertebrates and plant matter. The species is popular in the aquarium hobby and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded acara?
The Banded acara has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Dark longitudinal band that changes with mood; biparental larvophilic mouthbrooder.
Where does the Banded acara live?
The Banded acara lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern South America; shallow zones of rivers.
How big does the Banded acara get?
The Banded acara grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Banded acara dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded acara is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded acara edible?
The Banded acara is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bujurquina
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded acara?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded acara is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone