Species profile
Uaru Cichlid
Uaru amphiacanthoides
Peaceful
Hard care
750 L minimum aquarium
25–30 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large, plant-eating South American cichlid. Needs warm, soft, very clean water.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
26–30 °C
pH
5.5–6.5
GH
Up to 8 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
4.2
Large social cichlid that is comparatively gentle outside breeding. Keep a proper group with substantial footprint, visual structure and excellent filtration; pairs can become territorial when spawning.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
750 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Uaru amphiacanthoides
Alternative names
Uaru Cichlid, Triangle Cichlid, Waroo
Native range
Amazon and associated northern South American drainages, including parts of the Amazon and Essequibo systems.
Natural habitat
Warm soft-water river/lake margins and flooded-forest habitats with wood and detrital cover. Use subdued structure, open swimming space and very clean warm water.
Diet & feeding
Plant-heavy omnivore. Provide substantial vegetable matter and quality herbivore/omnivore cichlid foods with modest invertebrate protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
External sexing is unreliable except at breeding condition; genital papilla and established spawning behaviour are more dependable than colour or fin shape.
Breeding
Biparental substrate spawner. A pair cleans a firm surface and guards eggs/fry; juveniles may graze parental skin secretions in a discus-like manner.