Aequidens sp.

These are part of the Aequidens tetramerus species group. They are different and a lot nicer than the Brazilian and Colombian forms of Aequidens tetramerus that I'm also keeping. Out of the five I have, this pair has formed. The photos don't capture it, but they have a really pretty golden yellow sheen to the upper body. The lower flanks/belly are pearly white with reflections of blue-green in the light. The lip, the area in front of the eyes and operculum as well as the fins are a sort of golden orange. None of the colors are very bright all very subdued but beautiful. They are displaying to each other and cleaning a stone, so hopefully they will have eggs soon.

Female


Male


Pair

Hi Tom and thanks. I got these from Jeff Rapps, when he had a bunch of Aequidens listed, including 3 types of A. tetramerus. I'll try to post photos of the other two types (Brazilian and Colombian) when I get a chance.

Thanks convict360, I agree, Aequidens are beautiful. Aequidens and Cichlasoma are my favorite cichlids. Nearly all my tanks are filled with species from both genera.

Here are photos of the Aequidens tetramerus from Brazil. These appear to be different from the above posted Aequidens from Peru.
They are supposed to be the same species as the Peru fish I posted above, but I have my doubts.

Pair


Female


Male


Apologies for the dirty glass.
I couldn't get pictures of the Colombian Aequidens as they ducked into cover as soon as they saw the camera coming.

I also have a few of this Cichlasoma which is some times confused with Aequidens tetramerus, but obviously is not.

bbortko, thanks. They're like most Acaras, not too aggressive and will eat just about anything offered them. They are not too difficult to get to spawn either.

Thanks jaws7777. I have a group of 4 Aequidens metae, and I agree they're very beautiful fish.