Saddle cichlid
The saddle cichlid is a species of cichlid from the tribe Cichlasomatini, part of the subfamily Cichlasomatinae from South America. It is the type species of the genus Aequidens. It is reasonably common in the aquarium trade.
Description
The saddle cichlid shows significant variation in colour and thus variation is geographic. In the western parts of its range, in Ecuador and Peru they develop striking red or orange colouration on the lower jaw, the head and the forward portion of the belly while Brazilian specimens are more of an overall grey or blue or green colouration. The males grow larger than the females and they usually grow extensions to the dorsal, caudal and anal fins as they reach sexual maturity. In spawning condition the males are more brightly coloured than the females. The maximum recorded length of the saddle cichlid is.Distribution
The saddle cichlid is the most widely distributed of the cichlids in the genus Aequidens it is found throughout the basin of the Amazon River in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Bolivia. It also occurs in the Rio Tocantins and Rio Parnaiba, in French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana as well as in the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela and Colombia.Habitat and biology
The saddle cichlid is a habitat generalist which shows a preference for slow-moving or still water with complex substrates consisting of submerged tree roots, branches, leaf litter and other objects. During periods of high water this species moves into flooded forests and this results in its occurrence in flood plain lakes and oxbows. It is most commonly observed in the quieter tributaries instead of the main river channels and has also been recorded at localities with a dense growth of aquatic plants. The water in the rivers in which it occurs can vary from clear through to almost black, although clear water appears to be favoured.They are omnivorous, especially in captivity, but wild fish have diet dominated by invertebrates, such as insects, and small fish, as well as some vegetable matter
It is a highly territorial species which lives in pairs. Around a thousand eggs are laid on a stone or piece of wood. The eggs are tended by both parents.