Royal Acara (Aequidens diadema) Care Guide | Peaceful Regal Cichlid for Sale Online

Royal Acara (Aequidens diadema): The Ultimate Care Guide for This Regal South American Cichlid

Introduction

The majestic Royal Acara (Aequidens diadema)—also known as Diademacara or “Crowned Jaguar Acara”—is one of the most beautiful and well-behaved South American cichlids. With shimmering blue-green tones, a regal "diadem" spot, and an even temperament, this species is ideal for both cichlid enthusiasts and community tank builders. In this all-inclusive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to care for and enjoy this stunning cichlid—plus find out why RobsAquatics.com is the premier source for healthy, ethically sourced Royal Acaras.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is the Royal Acara (Aequidens diadema)?

  2. Natural Habitat and Range

  3. Appearance and Color Morphs

  4. Size, Growth, and Lifespan

  5. Temperament and Behavior

  6. Aquarium Setup

  7. Water Parameters & Filtration

  8. Diet and Feeding Tips

  9. Ideal Tank Mates

  10. Breeding Behavior & Fry Care

  11. Common Health Issues & Prevention

  12. Royal Acara vs. Similar Cichlids

  13. Why Hobbyists Love Royal Acaras

  14. Where to Buy Royal Acaras Online

  15. Why Choose RobsAquatics.com

  16. Final Thoughts

1. What Is the Royal Acara (Aequidens diadema)?

The Royal Acara, Aequidens diadema, is a peaceful, vibrant cichlid species from South America. Known for its jewel-like coloration, calm demeanor, and manageable size, it’s an excellent centerpiece fish for medium-to-large community aquariums.

  • Alternative names: Diadem Acara, Diamond Acara

  • Family: Cichlidae

  • Region of origin: Peru, Ecuador, Brazilian Amazon tributaries

2. Natural Habitat and Range

Royal Acaras are found in:

  • Slow-moving tributaries of the Amazon Basin (Peru, Ecuador)

  • Warm, tannin-rich blackwater rivers

  • Substrate-rich areas with sandy or silty bottom

  • Plentiful cover—roots, driftwood, overhanging branches

These conditions should influence your tank set-up for optimal care.

3. Appearance and Color Morphs

Distinctive features include:

  • Metallic emerald-green to cobalt-blue body

  • Oval body shape with gentle curvature

  • The hallmark “diadem” forehead spot, enlarged in dominant males

  • Bright yellow/blue edging around fins

  • Red irises and steely blue gill-cover spot

Dimorphism: Males usually larger with extended dorsal and anal fins; females more subdued.

Color phases:

  • Wild-type: Slates of blue/green with subdued fins

  • Enhanced strains: More vivid iridescence and deeper visual contrast

4. Size, Growth, and Lifespan

  • Juvenile: 1–2″

  • Adult: 6–8″ (females) / 8–10″ (males)

  • Growth rate: Moderate; reach size in 12–18 months

  • Lifespan: 8–12 years with good care

Ready-to-grow healthy juveniles should be at least 2″ when imported—check availability at RobsAquatics.com.

5. Temperament and Behavior

Royal Acaras are prized for their peaceful, intelligent, and charismatic profiles:

  • Generally friendly, showing curiosity toward keepers

  • Semi-aggressive during mating but no serious threats

  • Territorial only around spawning areas

  • Often form strong bonds with other mid-to-large fish

Consider a pair to boost natural behavior and enhance visual interest.

6. Aquarium Setup

Minimum tank size:

  • Pair or single: 55–75 gallons

  • Community setup: 90–125 gallons+

Decor recommendations:

  • Sand or smooth gravel substrate for digging

  • Driftwood and branches for structure

  • Rock caves for shelter/spawning

  • Floating plants to mimic natural conditions

  • Open mid-level swimming space

A 6-foot tank allows flexibility and reduces aggression zones.

7. Water Parameters & Filtration

Optimal conditions:

  • Temperature: 76–82°F

  • pH: 6.5–7.5

  • Hardness: 5–15 dGH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

  • Nitrate: <30 ppm

Filtration:

  • Canister or hang-on-back filters with high turnover

  • Strong bio-filtration and regular 25–40% water changes

  • Gentle flow and water aeration with wavemakers or air stones

8. Diet and Feeding Tips

Royal Acaras are omnivores with carnivorous preference:

Primary foods:

  • Quality tropical cichlid pellets (lyophilized protein)

  • Frozen krill, brine shrimp, bloodworms

  • Occasional feeder fish (quarantined)

  • Vegetable treats: spirulina flakes, peas, zucchini

Feeding routine:

  • Two small, protein-rich meals daily

  • Rotational veggie supplementation (2–3Ă— weekly)

  • Remove uneaten food after 5 minutes to prevent ammonia

Supplementation boosts coloration and health.

9. Ideal Tank Mates

Best matched with peaceful South American community fish:

Compatible species:

  • Geophagus spp.

  • Severums

  • Angelfish

  • Larger tetras (e.g., Congo tetras)

  • Good catfish (e.g., Raphael catfish, Synodontis)

  • Friendly dwarf cichlids (e.g., Bolivian Ram)

Avoidables:

  • Hyper-aggressive feeders (Red Devils, Jaguars)

  • Tiny fish (<1″) that can be eaten

  • Fin nippers or overly timid species

Keep track of aggression and maintain tank spacing.

10. Breeding Behavior & Fry Care

Breeding is rewarding with proper setup:

Pairing signs:

  • Bonding pairs clean spawning sites

  • Male arches for territory, female flares fins

Breeding process:

  • Eggs laid on flat wood or rock

  • Parents guard and fan fry diligently

  • Fry free-swimming: ~5–7 days post-hatch

Raise fry:

  • Feed infusoria → baby brine shrimp → crushed flake

  • Parents may be aggressive—move fry to separate grow-out tank

  • Good water quality ensures steady growth

11. Common Health Issues & Prevention

Key vulnerabilities:

  • Hole-in-the-head disease (HITH): linked to poor diet/water

  • Ich, fin rot: if water quality degrades

  • Bloat: from high-fat diets

  • Stress: from poor compatibility or weak setup

Preventive steps:

  • Quality food with balanced protein/fiber

  • Weekly 30% water changes

  • Limit overcrowding

  • Remove tokens of disease early, and quarantine new additions

Stay observant—true hobbyists catch issues early.

12. Royal Acara vs. Similar Cichlids

Feature Royal Acara Electric Blue Acara Firemouth Cichlid Green Terror
Size 8–10″ 6–8″ 5–6″ 10–12″
Temperament Peaceful/intelligent Peaceful Semi-aggressive Aggressive
Colorfulness High (shimmering) Very high Medium (fiery red) High (aggressive)
Community compatibility Excellent Excellent Moderate Poor
Ease of breeding Moderate Easy Easy Moderate

Royal Acaras are ideal for peaceful, attractive aquaria without aggression.

13. Why Hobbyists Love Royal Acaras

  • Regal, shimmering appearance

  • Peaceful behavior and community harmony

  • Medium size fits many tanks

  • Interactive personality

  • Good candidate for intermediate aquarists branching into cichlids

A beautiful balance of form, function, and temperament.

14. Where to Buy Royal Acaras Online

For authentic, healthy specimens, look only at reliable breeders offering:

  • Quarantined and individually selected fish

  • Live arrival protection

  • Tanks acclimated to frozen/prepared foods

  • Clear shipping & care guidance

RobsAquatics.com excels in these areas.

15. Why Choose RobsAquatics.com

âś… Hand-selected, vibrant Royal Acara
âś… Quarantined & feeding on frozen/prep foods
âś… Live arrival guarantee
âś… Expert customer support
âś… Ethical sourcing from breeders in Peru/Brazil
âś… Community-first aftercare and guidance

👉 Buy your Royal Acara now at RobsAquatics.com while limited stock lasts!

16. Final Thoughts

The Royal Acara (Aequidens diadema) is truly a gem—a peaceful, radiant, mid-sized cichlid that adds elegance, harmony, and interactive charm to your aquarium. With proper care, this species will thrive, breed, and reward you with beauty for years.

If you're ready for a show-stopper that’s calm, majestic, and captivating—shop Royal Acaras now at RobsAquatics.com and elevate your tank to regal status!

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