The Albino Geophagus Heckelii, or Albino Threadfin Acara, isa pale-colored, albino variant of theThreadfin Acaracharacterized by red or pink eyes and a body that shows hints of white, pink, and yellow, sometimes developing vibrant orange accents as it matures. These generally peaceful, medium-sized "eartheater" cichlids grow to about 6-8 inches and are known for their distinctive thread-like fin filaments, which can also show red or orange. They require a spacious aquarium with a sandy substrate for sifting, plenty of hiding spots, and a varied diet of high-quality food.
Appearance
Coloration:Instead of the typical pigmentation, the albino variant has a white to cream body with subtle pink and yellow hues.
Eyes:A defining characteristic is the presence of red or pink eyes.
Fins:The name "Threadfin" comes from the delicate, thread-like filaments on their dorsal and caudal fins, which can be accentuated with red or orange.
Size:Adults typically reach 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) in length.
Behavior and Temperament
Peaceful:The Albino Heckelii is known for its peaceful nature, making it suitable for community tanks with other peaceful fish species.
"Eartheater" Behavior:Like other Geophagus, they sift through sand substrates to find food, creating pits and piles in their environment.
Semi-Territorial:While generally peaceful, they can become territorial, especially during breeding, so providing adequate hiding spaces is essential.
Habitat and Care
Tank Setup:They require a spacious aquarium with a sandy substrate, rocks, and driftwood for hiding places and swimming space.
Water Parameters:They prefer temperatures between 75-82°F (24-28°C) and neutral to slightly acidic water conditions.
Diet:As omnivores, they readily accept a varied diet of high-quality pellets, flakes, frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms, and some vegetable matter.
