Pet Wiki

Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Uaru

Uaru amphiacanthoides Heckel, 1840

Also called Triangle cichlid

SpeciesShort profile

From South America: the Amazon basin in Brazil (Amazon-Solimoes from the Japura to the Tapajos River and the middle and lower Rio Negro), with records from Guyana.12

At a glance the quick version

Length25 cm123
Sizelarge
Surprisingly peaceful for its size
Largely plant-eating
Raises its fry in a discus-like way
2

Looks how to spot one

Large, disc-shaped cichlid

A big, high-backed, laterally flattened cichlid with a rounded, almost triangular profile. Males and females look alike.23

Personality what they are like

Gentle and sociable for a large cichlid; it lives happily with tetras, angelfish and larger characins that like warm water.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A calm cruiser that spends its time around submerged branches and roots and browsing for food.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep the water clean, warm and soft; use hardy or artificial decor as it eats most live plants.2

Home where they are happiest

Warm, soft, acidic water of about 26 to 30 C, pH 5.0 to 7.0 and up to around 5-12 dH; a pair needs at least 120 x 45 cm (about 200 litres) with sand and bogwood.12

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore with a strong plant leaning; give plenty of vegetable foods along with small invertebrates such as worms and crustaceans.21

Company who they like around

A peaceful group or pair fish that fits a community of other warmth-loving, non-aggressive species.2

The story where it all began

Heckel described the uaru in 1840 from the Amazon. It is caught for food by local people and is also an established fish in the ornamental trade.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Like discus, the young feed on the slime coat on their parents' skin.2

  2. 2

    In the wild it even eats freshwater sponges along with plants and small invertebrates.2

  3. 3

    Parents look after up to about 200 eggs and the hatched larvae.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 7 November 2018)1
Taxonomy
Described by Heckel in 1840; family Cichlidae1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Uaru. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Uaru?

Feed your Uaru small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day with small portions. Adjust based on your fish's appetite and avoid overfeeding.2 Pet Wiki plan

What does an Uaru eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Uaru enjoys a varied diet of vegetable foods and small invertebrates like worms and crustaceans. Avoid feeding anything that isn't suitable for an omnivorous fish; for specific unsafe foods, ask your vet or a good breeder.21

How much space does an Uaru need?

A pair of Uaru needs at least a 200-litre tank with a footprint of 120x45 cm. Provide plenty of swimming space and hiding spots with sand and bogwood.21

What temperature, light or water does an Uaru need?

Keep the water warm at 26-30°C, soft and acidic with pH 5-7 and hardness 5-12 dH. Use subdued lighting and provide bogwood and sand; avoid bright light as they prefer shaded areas.21

How often should I clean an Uaru's home?

Perform a 25% water change every week, test the water weekly, and clean the glass. Rinse the filter in old tank water once a month. Regular cleaning keeps your Uaru healthy. Pet Wiki plan

Can an Uaru live with others?

Yes, Uaru are peaceful and sociable, fitting well in a community of other warm-water, non-aggressive species like tetras and angelfish. Keep them in a group or pair for best results.2

How long does an Uaru live?

Lifespan varies depending on care; ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations. With proper conditions, they can live many years.

Can I handle an Uaru?

Handling is not recommended for fish; they are delicate and stress easily. Observe and enjoy your Uaru in its tank without handling.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

SeverumDiscusChocolate Cichlid

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FishBase: Uaru amphiacanthoides fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, IUCN, biology, trade
  2. Seriously Fish: Uaru amphiacanthoides seriouslyfish.comused for habitat, size, tank size, water, diet, behaviour, breeding
  3. Wikipedia: Uaru amphiacanthoides en.wikipedia.orgused for common names, size, food fish use

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.