Description

The Saddle Cichlid (Aequidens tetramerus) originates from the rivers, tributaries and flood plains of the northern South America and northern portions of the Amazon. They are widely distributed throughout Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Brazil and other nearby countries. The Saddle Cichlid is considered a generalist or opportunistic fish species, as they are able to live and thrive in a variety of habitats.

The preferred habitat of the Saddle Cichlid are slow moving rivers and flood plains, that offer gentle water currents and plenty of underwater structure in the form of submerged tree roots, aquatic plants and leaf litter. Saddle Cichlids are most often found inhabiting slow moving river tributaries and drainages where they are protected from larger predatory fish species and have an abundant supply of insects and small invertebrates on which to feed.