Aquarist Species: Cichlasoma sp. 'Ruta 44' Golden Acara
Aquarist: DragonFlyer
Species Profile: Cichlasoma sp. 'Ruta 44'
Species Photo by: Craig Storms
Description: An undescribed species sometimes labeled as the 'Gold Acara' native to Uruguay and collected along Ruta 44. These are cool water tolerant fish that benefit from a mild winter season each year.
Category: Cichlids
Global Region: South America
Distribution: Uruagay
Aquarist Notes
Photo of aquarist's species:
Collection Point: Ruta 44
Genetic Line: Aquarium Strain
Year Acquired: 2023
Acquired a group of 5 young fish ~1" from Matt Quinn in the Fall of 2023. These are shy fish and are generally not seen unless kept separate from more aggressive species. Currentlly growing them out in a 72g display tank with a group of rainbowfish as dithers. They’ve reached ~4” and are very mellow fish. After 2 summers spent outdoors in tubs there were 3 adult fish including a likely pair that may have spawned over the summer as they built an amazing nest in the thick roots of a blue flag iris. When I emptied the tub they were buried in this thick root mass and I had to dig them out. In the fall of 2025 Matt Quinn visited my fishroom and told me he no longer had this species, and I gave him these 3 adults.