ANIMAL: Spectacular Basketmouth Cichlid Caquetaia spectabilis Type of Animal: Cichlid Habitat: Vegetation near riverbanks, nearshore vegetated river areas Location(s): Brazil: Amazon River, Madeira River, Uatama River, Araguari River, Branco River. Also found in Guyana. Appearance: Fairly large colorful cichlid, often shows mixes of reds/greens/blues sometimes yellows & oranges, males more colorful w/ more intense striping & longer pelvic fins Food/Diet: Fish (including members of own species), shrimp Status in Wild: Stable Conservation: Breeding in aquariums & aquaculture Lifestyle: Schools of 2-10 fish w/ equal numbers of males & females. Occasionally, a few more females than males. Breeding pairs stake out territories during spawning. Additional Info: Called: Male Female Young: Fry Group: School Weight: Male: 12-14 oz Female: 7-9 oz Gestation: 4-5 days Life Span: 8-12 years Body Length: Male: 4-12 in Female: 2-10 in Main predators are other fish, crocodilians, turtles, birds, & mammals. These fish are not common in the aquarium trade. Pairs become territorial during spawning. These fish have very quick reflexes. These fish are ambush predators. Reach maturity at a year old. Females lay 400-1,500 eggs, which both parents defend. Breeding pairs excavate caves/holes in substrate to lay eggs. Once fry hatch, parents direct them to enclosed areas between rocks to protect them. These fish sometimes eaten in parts of their range. Also called Basketmouth Cichlids & Rose Acara Cichlids. Fun Fact(s): Get name from extendable jaw & habit of inhaling prey whole. Gets spectabilis part of scientific name due to striking coloration. Under bright light, these fish give off an almost kaleidoscopic glow.
