Aequidens epae

Introduction
Aequidens epae is a medium sized fish of about 4.5 " found in Brazil, South America.
Taxonomy
(Click for details of Cichlid taxonomy)
Aequidens epae was first described by Kullander in 1995 , and has been
placed in Genus Aequidens and subfamily Cichlasomatinae.
The Genus "Aequidens" is derived from Latin words, equips+equal+dens(teeth), which roughly translates
to "Fish with equal teeth".
The species name is given in recognization of Expedição Permanente da Amazônia (EPA) set up by
Museum of Zoology of the University of São Paulo.
Distribution & Habitat
Aequidens epae is found in Brazil, State of Pará, Río Tapajós drainage,
igarapé in Barreirinha.
It is benthopelagic or swims above river bed at depths of about 1-3 m in clear water streams.
It is a opportunistic feeder and is omnivorous in nature, eating everything from small insects, fish, algae etc.
Description
It is a medium sized fish having a Standard Length 4.5".
It has a slender body with the depth being 42-48% of SL.
The Aequidens species is characterized by having a tri serial per dorsal fin arrangement and E1
scales either 24 or 25.
A. epae is quiet similar to A. diadema, A. gerciliae, A. metae all have stripes on face and dorsal
scales have black stripes.
However it can be differentiated by by these species by having a dark band from mid lateral spot
which inclines towards tail instead of vertical.
It can also be distinguished from similar looking A. gerciliae by entire tail fin (caudal) covered
with hyaline(white) spots instead to having these spots in back of dorsal fin, also the lateral band is
thinner, E1 scales as 24, instead of more common 25.
Aequidens epae is known to live for 8-10 years.
Keeping in Aquarium
Aequidens epae has not been studied in detail yet, and not much information
is available on its aquarium requirements.
They need soft water and acidic water with a pH of 6.5-6.9.
The species live in tropical South American rivers and the recommended water temperature in the
aquarium is 21-28°C / 70-83°F
Species Snapshot
Species Card
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Aequidens epae |
Common Name | Aequidens epae |
Genus | Aequidens |
Subfamily | Cichlasomatinae |
Geographical Origin | Brazil, South America,Jacareacanga and São Luis on the lower Rio Tapajós |
Diet | Omnivore |
Gender Differences | Dimorphic |
Breeding | Substrate Spawner |
Temperament | Aggressive |
Con Specific Temperament | Aggressive |
Water hardness | Soft, dh range 3-9 |
Difficulty Level in Aquariums |
Morphometric Data
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Total Length(inches) | |
Standard Length(inches) |
Measurements as % of Total Length
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Body Depth | % |
Head length | % |
Pre Dorsal length | % |
Pre Pectoral length | % |
Pre Anal length | % |
Pre Pelvic length | % |
Caudal Peduncle Depth | % |
Caudal Peduncle Length | % |
Fork length | % |
Length of Last Dorsal Fin Spine | % |
Pectoral Fin Length | % |
Pelvic Fin Length | % |
Measurements as % of Head Length
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Head Width | % |
Snout length | % |
Eye diameter | % |
Pre Orbital Length | % |
Inter Orbital Width | % |
Pre Orbital Depth | % |
How to use the Web site
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