An undescribed and beautifully colored South American cichlid hailing from the Peruvian Amazon (Rio Itaya/Ucayali drainages). Often confused in the trade with Aequidens diadema, this species features an attractive green-gold metallic sheen and reddish fins as it matures. They are relatively peaceful for mid-sized cichlids but will aggressively defend their territory during spawning and are capable predators of small fish.
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera At a Glance
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera Tank Requirements
Will Aequidens Jenaro Herrera fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Aequidens Jenaro Herrera needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Aequidens Jenaro Herrera against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Aequidens Jenaro Herrera Water Parameters
Water care products
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Aequidens Jenaro Herrera Temperament & Compatibility
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Standard)
Adult males are significantly larger and bulkier than females, developing longer fin extensions and a more robust head profile. They can become highly territorial when establishing breeding sites.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Male, Show Male
Female
Females are noticeably smaller than males (topping out around 12-13cm). While they share the same beautiful coloration, they are slightly less robust but will fiercely defend their fry alongside the male.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Female
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Often sold at 5-7cm with duller, silvery colors. They are fast eaters that will outgrow smaller setups rapidly. A minimum of 110L is required for grow-out before upgrading to their adult enclosure.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Unsexed
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera Care Guide Summary
The Aequidens Jenaro Herrera, scientifically known as Aequidens sp. 'Jenaro Herrera', belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 18 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Aequidens Jenaro Herrera requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Aequidens Jenaro Herrera is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male (Standard), Female, and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Aequidens Jenaro Herrera, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Aequidens Jenaro Herrera is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Aequidens Jenaro Herrera.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Aequidens Jenaro Herrera is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
How big does Aequidens Jenaro Herrera get?
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera (Aequidens sp. 'Jenaro Herrera') typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 18 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Aequidens Jenaro Herrera need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Aequidens Jenaro Herrera. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Aequidens Jenaro Herrera need?
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Aequidens Jenaro Herrera peaceful or aggressive?
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Aequidens Jenaro Herrera live alone?
Yes, Aequidens Jenaro Herrera can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Aequidens Jenaro Herrera have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Aequidens Jenaro Herrera benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
These plants pair well with Aequidens Jenaro Herrera based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid)
Aequidens diadema
A medium-sized, semi-aggressive South American cichlid native to the slow-moving rivers and blackwater streams of the Amazon basin. Known for their striking colors and strong personalities, they are omnivorous with a carnivorous tendency. Like many cichlids, they are notorious for digging and rearranging their habitat. They do well in large community tanks with appropriately sized tank mates but are fiercely intolerant of their own kind.
Aequidens sp. Atabapo
Aequidens sp. Atabapo
A rare, undescribed species of Acara native to the blackwater Rio Atabapo in South America. They are characterized by small spots on the head and a typical robust, deep Aequidens body. Like other Acaras, they are moderately aggressive (especially when breeding) and thrive in very soft, warm, acidic water with sandy substrates and leaf litter.
Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50)
Apistogramma baenschi
A striking South American dwarf cichlid native to Peru. Males boast a dramatically high, sail-like dorsal fin and vibrant blue/yellow coloration. They are cave spawners that require soft, acidic water and a sand substrate for their natural earth-sifting behaviors.
Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
A stunning and relatively peaceful South American cichlid. While they possess classic cichlid traits—such as digging and territoriality during breeding—they are generally far more tolerant of tank mates than their larger cousins (like the Green Terror). They will, however, eagerly consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras).
Apistogramma atahualpa
Apistogramma atahualpa
A striking dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater streams of the Peruvian Amazon (Rio Nanay basin). They require soft, acidic water and a sandy substrate, as they naturally sift sand for food. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become highly territorial during breeding. Leaf litter and driftwood are essential to mimic their natural habitat.
Blue Point Cichlid
Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus
The Blue Point Cichlid (formerly Aequidens coeruleopunctatus) is a medium-sized Central and South American cichlid closely related to the Green Terror, but notably less aggressive. They are benthopelagic omnivores with a natural tendency to sift and dig through sandy substrates. While relatively peaceful for a cichlid of its size, it remains highly territorial during breeding and dominant males are completely intolerant of rival males.