Taeniacara candidi – Torpedo dwarf cichlid

Taeniacara candidi – Torpedo dwarf cichlid

Taeniacara candidi was first described by George Sprague Myers in 1935. This fish belongs to the family Cichlidae. The genus Taeniacara is monotypic, meaning it contains only one species, namely Taeniacara candidi. The genus name Taeniacara comes from the Latin “taenia” (stripe) and the Greek “kara” (face), referring to the prominent lateral line that runs from the eyes to the tail. The species name candidi is a tribute to E. Candidus, who donated the type specimens to describe the species. Their common name is Torpedo dwarf cichlid.

The genus is still under discussion. This species may be included in the Apistogramma at a later date.

Synonyms:

• Apistogramma weisei

Description

General description:
Taeniacara candidi has a slender, torpedo-shaped body. The head and flanks are light brown with a visible dark lateral line. The fins have an orange-ish hue with light blue spots on the tail. Males can grow up to 7 cm, while females reach a maximum of 5 cm.

Differences between males and females:

• Males: Larger, with a “spade-shaped” tail and longer pectoral fins. They have more striking colors, especially during the breeding season.
• Females: Smaller, with less striking colours. During breeding, they turn bright yellow.

Behavior and temperament:
Taeniacara candidi is a shy fish that often seeks out the bottom of the aquarium. They are territorial and can be aggressive, especially the males towards each other. They usually live in pairs or small groups and are bottom dwellers.

Life Expectancy:
There is no specific data on life expectancy in the wild or in captivity, but like many cichlids, they can live for several years if properly cared for.

Biotope

Natural distribution:
Taeniacara candidi is native to Brazil, mainly in the Rio Negro, Amazon and Rio Tapajos.

Habitat:
They live in clear, tea-colored waters with abundant underwater vegetation and a bottom covered with fine sand and leaves. The edges of the water are often covered with trees, which provide shade and a rich organic soil.

Climate:
They live in a tropical climate with seasonal floods and droughts.

Diet

Diet in the wild:
In the wild they mainly eat small invertebrates such as Daphnia and Cyclops.

Diet in the aquarium:
In the aquarium they should be fed with live food such as small Daphnia, Cyclops and Artemia. Dry food is usually not accepted.

Feeding advice:
Avoid flakes and granules, as they are often not accepted and do not provide the necessary nutrients.

The Aquarium

Aquarium Size:
A minimum 18″ (45cm) long, 14″ (37.5cm) wide and 12″ (30cm) high aquarium (53 litres) is recommended. However, if multiple pairs are to be kept, a larger aquarium of at least 48″ (120cm) is recommended to reduce aggression.

Decoration:
The aquarium should be decorated with a sandy bottom, leaf litter, driftwood, plants and hiding places such as coconut shells or jars.

Water parameters:
The best water parameters are a pH of 4.5-5.8, a GH of maximum 1°dH and a temperature of 27-30°C.

Compatibility:
They can be kept well with small fish such as Nannostomus species, but not with larger or more aggressive fish such as angelfish or larger Apistogramma species.

Breeding aquarium and conditioning

Breeding environment:
For breeding a special breeding aquarium of about 60 x 35 x 35 cm is recommended, with soft and acidic water (pH 6, conductivity of 100 μSiemens/cm). Use a sponge filter and provide sufficient hiding places.

Conditioning:
Condition the fish with live food such as Artemia and mosquito larvae. It is not necessary to temporarily separate the male and female.muggenlarven. Het is niet noodzakelijk om de man en vrouw tijdelijk uit elkaar te halen.

The spawn

Colors and ritual:
During spawning, the colors of the fish become more intense. The female guards the eggs, which are often deposited in a cave. Spawning usually takes place in the morning.

Eggs:
Up to 60 eggs are laid, which hatch after 2-3 days. The eggs are small and light in color.

Raising the fry

Hatching and free swimming:
The eggs hatch after 2-3 days and the young begin to swim freely after another 6 days.

Parental care:
The female cares for the fry, which should be fed with freshly hatched Artemia. The fry grow slowly and survival is often low.

For a breeding report, see also this article: Keeping and breeding Taeniacara candidi

Particularities

Special features:
Taeniacara candidi is sensitive to water changes and can become “moody” after a water change. They are shy and need a lot of hiding places in the aquarium. The species is difficult to breed, especially with wild-caught specimens.

Conclusion

Taeniacara candidi is a beautiful but challenging fish species to keep. They require specific water parameters and a well-equipped aquarium with plenty of hiding places. This fish species is not suitable for beginners, but offers an interesting challenge for experienced aquarists. Breeding this species can be difficult, especially with wild-caught specimens, but captive-bred specimens are somewhat easier to care for.

Video

Author

John de Lange

Copyright images

CB – Amazoona.be (original website no longer online)
AquariumGlaser