Care
The Port Acara is known from the Laguna dos Patos and Tramandaà River basin in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. These fish are best maintained in a mature aquarium with soft, slightly acidic water. Ideally, try to provide a dark sand substrate and plenty of shady hiding spots amongst driftwood, caves, and robust planting such as Anubias sp. and Java Fern cultivated on the wood (rooted plants may be dug up). Floating plants can also be used to help diffuse the light. Filtration should be efficient, but water movement fairly gentle, and frequent partial water changes should be carried out on a regular basis to help keep nitrate at a minimum. Port Acaras are generally very peaceful, with the exception of when breeding, at which point they will become much more territorial. They are best maintained as a compatible pair. Tankmates, if desired, should only be added if the tank is spacious enough, in case the Port Acaras decide to breed. Companions should be of similar size and temperament, and enjoy the slightly cooler-than-average conditions. May also be seen on sale as the Black Acara or Brown Acara.
Feeding
Offer a variety of frozen foods such as vitamin/Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, white mosquito larvae, bloodworm, Mysis, and various dried foods such as flake, green flake, crisps, slow sinking granules/pellets etc.
Breeding
Substrate spawner. When preparing to breed, the fish will intensify in colour and display to one another, before choosing a suitable spawning site and cleaning it - this may be a smooth rock or broad leaves. Up to 500 eggs will be deposited/fertilised, and these should hatch in around 4 days (temperature dependent). Once hatched, the parents will move the wrigglers into a pit they have excavated in the substrate. The young will be free-swimming just a few days later and can be offered baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) and crushed flake. Parental care continues for several weeks.
