Aequidens metae and/or diadema

[Mythic Figment]

So I am thinking about ordering some Aequidens metae and/or diadema from Rapps and I am getting some conflicting info from profiles versus the pictures I am seeing on Google. Profiles for both species says 4-5" is their max size, but pictures seem to make them look like they are more in the 8"+ range. Can anyone clarify this for me?

Also, which species is more colorful? What is each species behavior like? And lastly, how difficult is each to breed?


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[Mythic Figment]

Bump


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[neutrino]

I'm interested also. I've kept a number of acara types, but not these two in particular. But they've been on my hobby to do list for some time and I've done a lot of reading on them, including searching and translating non-English forums-- doesn't make me an expert on them, but since no responses yet and until those who've kept them chime in...

What I've read sounds like metae generally top out in the range of 6-7 inches, diadema 8 inches or more-- I've seen people say they've had jenaro herrera get 10 inches (genaro herrera once thought of as a Peruvian diadema, but, after a closer look, probably not the same fish according to some experts). From what I've seen (reading, comparing photos, etc.) not many are that good at IDs, they get confused with each other a lot, and my guess is this accounts for some of the conflicting information I've seen-- plus the common cichlid thing that they can vary individually in growth and behavior, etc. (the other thing I see conflicting thoughts on is how aggressive/peaceful either one is)

That's my take after going through just about anything I can find to read over the years, but I'm looking forward to more input from those who have actually had them. I'm looking to add something to my tanks also, just haven't decided yet if it's going to be one (or both) of those from Rapps or another geo species...

 

[Aquanero]

I've kept A. metae but not A. diadema. I know they are classed as a seperate species but I also ways considerd them more like geographacal vareants or subspecies they are so close in appearance and distrabution. I always wondered if there was some interspecific hybredisation to cloud the issue further. Both are among the most beautiful acara species IMO but I have always been partial to this type of fish anyway. I beleave diadema grows slightly larger and may perhaps be slightly more agressive but I have no 1st hand knowledge.

Edit: Aequidens patricki is another similar species.

 

[Mythic Figment]

I'm interested also. I've kept a number of acara types, but not these two in particular. But they've been on my hobby to do list for some time and I've done a lot of reading on them, including searching and translating non-English forums-- doesn't make me an expert on them, but since no responses yet and until those who've kept them chime in...

What I've read sounds like metae generally top out in the range of 6-7 inches, diadema 8 inches or more-- I've seen people say they've had jenaro herrera get 10 inches (genaro herrera once thought of as a Peruvian diadema, but, after a closer look, probably not the same fish according to some experts). From what I've seen (reading, comparing photos, etc.) not many are that good at IDs, they get confused with each other a lot, and my guess is this accounts for some of the conflicting information I've seen-- plus the common cichlid thing that they can vary individually in growth and behavior, etc. (the other thing I see conflicting thoughts on is how aggressive/peaceful either one is)

That's my take after going through just about anything I can find to read over the years, but I'm looking forward to more input from those who have actually had them. I'm looking to add something to my tanks also, just haven't decided yet if it's going to be one (or both) of those from Rapps or another geo species...

Cool. Thanks for the info.

Well Rapps has the diadema listed as "diadema 'Jenera Herrera'", so if they are two different species, there is going to be a case of mistaken ID later on. LOL

I am putting an order together for my next two breeding projects and the Andinoacara stalsbergi are top of the list with one of the Aequidens right behind (it's an acara rich order). At the moment, I am leaning towards metae because of accounts saying they are smaller and more mild mannered than diadema while being just as colorful. If you wanted to, you could get the diadema and we could compare notes as they grow. LOL


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[Mythic Figment]

I've kept A. metae but not A. diadema. I know they are classed as a seperate species but I also ways considerd them more like geographacal vareants or subspecies they are so close in appearance and distrabution. I always wondered if there was some interspecific hybredisation to cloud the issue further. Both are among the most beautiful acara species IMO but I have always been partial to this type of fish anyway. I beleave diadema grows slightly larger and may perhaps be slightly more agressive but I have no 1st hand knowledge.

Edit: Aequidens patricki is another similar species.

How were the metae as far as aggression, size and breeding goes?

I have considered picking up some patricki if I can ever find them, but mostly because my name is Patrick. LOL


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[Aquanero]

My understanding is that while A. diadema is a mouth brooder diadema 'Jenera Herrera' is not.

Anyway my metae were pretty mellow, a little interspecific argession but nothing bad. I would put them on the same level as chocolate ciclids from my experiance, results may vary. They are what i would considered a mid-sized fish anywhere for from say 5 to maybe 8 for a big male, mine were around 6" or so a good 90 gallon fish. They started to breed about 4" or so and were pretty easy and good parents, took about two trys to get right then they were fine. I think you'll enjoy them if you like acaras.

 

[Mythic Figment]

My understanding is that while A. diadema is a mouth brooder diadema 'Jenera Herrera' is not.

Anyway my metae were pretty mellow, a little interspecific argession but nothing bad. I would put them on the same level as chocolate ciclids from my experiance, results may vary. They are what i would considered a mid-sized fish anywhere for from say 5 to maybe 8 for a big male, mine were around 6" or so a good 90 gallon fish. They started to breed about 4" or so and were pretty easy and good parents, took about two trys to get right then they were fine. I think you'll enjoy them if you like acaras.

Are metae mouth brooders?


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[neutrino]

My understanding is that while A. diadema is a mouth brooder diadema 'Jenera Herrera' is not.

Same thing I've read. There's a genetic mapping study I've seen that has Atabapo, Jenaro Herrera, diadema, and metae as closely related, especially the last three. Also has them as a nearby but separate branch to C. dimerus, A. tetramerus, and others.

 

[Aquanero]

A. metae are substraight spawners.

I just got off the phone with Jeff and ordered 4 Sp. Jenera Herrera. Should arrive tomarrow. So we'll see how it goes. The mapping study is interesting and pretty much what you would suspect to see.

Pat, if you wouldn't mind please stop making threads you're costing me a fortune...............