Uaru Cichlid

The Uaru (Uaru amphiacanthoides), often called the Waroo or Triangle Cichlid, is a gentle giant of the South American cichlid world. Known for its distinctive triangular dark blotch, soft earthy coloration, and surprisingly peaceful temperament, the Uaru is a wonderful centerpiece for a large, well-planted aquarium. Intelligent and personable, these fish quickly learn to recognize their keepers and make a rewarding project for the dedicated hobbyist.

Uarus are part of the same fascinating group as our other South American cichlids, and they share the bold presence of an Oscar while staying notably more peaceful.

🐠 Key Features

• Distinctive triangular dark marking and soft earthy coloration
• Large, graceful, and surprisingly peaceful cichlid
• Intelligent and interactive—learns to recognize its keeper
• Excellent centerpiece fish for large aquariums
• Popular among South American cichlid enthusiasts

🐠 Ideal Tank Setup

• Large aquarium (75 gallons or more, bigger for groups)
• Strong, reliable filtration and pristine water
• Open swimming space with driftwood and smooth rockwork
• Soft, slightly acidic, warm water
• Hardy plants or a planted layout they can graze on

🛠 Care Tips

• Provide plenty of swimming room and stable, warm water
• Maintain excellent water quality with regular water changes
• Offer a varied, plant-forward diet—they enjoy vegetable matter
• Keep in a group or with calm, similarly sized tankmates
• Best suited for experienced keepers or dedicated large-tank hobbyists

🍽 Recommended Food

• High-quality cichlid pellets
• Vegetable matter such as blanched greens and spirulina
• Frozen and live foods for variety and conditioning
• Browse our full range of freshwater fish food

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Uarus get? Uarus can reach about 10–12 inches in a large aquarium, so plan for a spacious tank with strong filtration.

Are Uarus aggressive? They are one of the more peaceful large South American cichlids, though they appreciate calm, similarly sized tankmates and can become territorial when breeding.

Are Uarus good for beginners? They are best for keepers with some experience, mainly because of their size, appetite for clean water, and need for a large tank.

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