Ivanacara Adoketa Aquarium Fish - Beautiful, Peaceful Cichlid for Your Tank

Ivanacara Adoketa is a stunning, peaceful South American cichlid perfect for a well-maintained freshwater aquarium. Learn about its care, tank mates, and feeding habits.

Ivanacara Adoketa Aquarium Fish - The Peaceful South American Cichlid

The Ivanacara Adoketa, often referred to as the Adoketa Cichlid or Adoketa Earth Eater, is a unique and beautiful species native to the clear waters of South America, specifically the Rio Xingu in Brazil. Known for its calm demeanor and striking appearance, the Ivanacara Adoketa is a fantastic choice for aquarium enthusiasts looking for a peaceful cichlid that adds beauty and interest to their setup. This species is relatively small compared to other cichlids, making it suitable for aquariums of moderate size while still showcasing vibrant colors and fascinating behaviors.

Here is a detailed guide to caring for the Ivanacara Adoketa, including water conditions, feeding habits, tank mates, and general care.

Key Characteristics:

• Common Name: Ivanacara Adoketa, Adoketa Earth Eater

• Scientific Name: Ivanacara Adoketa

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Rio Xingu, Brazil (South America)

• Size: Can grow up to 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm) in length

• Lifespan: 5-7 years with proper care

• Temperament: Peaceful, calm, and shy, typically not territorial

• Coloration: Shiny, metallic body with a mix of blue, silver, and yellow hues, accentuated with a slightly darker marking around the eyes.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 74°F to 80°F (23°C to 27°C) – Maintain a stable temperature within this range for optimal health.

• pH Level: 6.5 to 7.5 – Slightly acidic to neutral water is preferred for this species.

• Hardness: 4-12 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)

• Water Movement: Gentle to moderate water flow. In the wild, Ivanacara Adoketa inhabits calm waters, so replicating this environment with mild water flow is ideal.

• Filtration: A high-quality filtration system is essential to maintain clean water. This species is sensitive to poor water quality, so efficient filtration and regular maintenance are vital.

Tip: Perform regular water changes (about 25-30% every 1-2 weeks) to keep water conditions optimal and free of toxins.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended for a small group of Ivanacara Adoketa. If you plan to keep multiple individuals or other species, a 40-55 gallon tank is ideal.

• Aquascaping: Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places, such as caves, driftwood, and rocks. This species enjoys having places to retreat and feels secure when it has enough cover.

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel works well for this species. Ivanacara Adoketa will sift through the substrate, so using fine sand allows them to do so safely without injuring themselves.

• Lighting: Moderate lighting is ideal for this fish. Avoid bright, harsh lighting and instead aim for a more natural, subdued light to replicate their native habitat.

Tip: Incorporate live plants like Amazon Sword or Java Fern to provide natural hiding spots and enhance the overall aesthetic of the aquarium.

Tank Mates:

• Compatibility: Ivanacara Adoketa is a peaceful and non-aggressive cichlid that generally does well with other calm species. Suitable tank mates include:

  • Peaceful South American cichlids, such as Apistogramma, Angelfish, or Rams

  • Tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras)

  • Corydoras catfish, other peaceful bottom dwellers

  • Peaceful livebearers like Guppies or Platys

  • Non-aggressive species such as peaceful Gouramis or Rainbowfish

• Avoid: Avoid keeping Ivanacara Adoketa with aggressive or larger fish, as they can easily become stressed. Similarly, very small fish may be at risk of being nipped at or harassed.

Tip: When keeping multiple Ivanacara Adoketa in the same tank, ensure there are enough hiding places to reduce potential territorial conflicts.

Feeding Habits:

• Diet: Ivanacara Adoketa is an omnivore with a preference for small invertebrates and plant matter in the wild. In the aquarium, they can be fed a variety of foods, including:

  • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes

  • Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and earthworms

  • Blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, spinach, or peas) for additional nutrients

  • Algae-based foods like spirulina or algae wafers to complement their diet

• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2-3 times a day, providing small amounts of food that they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Be cautious of overfeeding as excess food can lead to water quality issues.

Tip: Offering a varied diet ensures that your Ivanacara Adoketa receives all the essential nutrients for optimal health and coloration.

Care and Maintenance:

• General Care: Ivanacara Adoketa is a relatively low-maintenance fish as long as the proper water conditions are maintained. Ensure the water is clean, well-filtered, and at a consistent temperature. Regular water changes (around 25-30% every 1-2 weeks) are essential to prevent toxins from building up.

• Health Issues: This species is relatively hardy, but they can be susceptible to common freshwater fish diseases, such as Ich (white spot disease) and fungal infections. Regularly check for signs of stress or illness, and quarantine new arrivals to avoid introducing diseases.

• Breeding: Breeding Ivanacara Adoketa in an aquarium is possible, but it requires careful attention to their tank setup. They are substrate spawners and will lay eggs on flat surfaces, such as rocks or leaves. The parents are usually attentive and protective of their eggs and fry, guarding them until the fry are free-swimming. The fry can be fed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes as their first food.

Tip: To encourage breeding, provide a stable environment with low levels of disturbance, plenty of hiding spots, and good water quality. Ivanacara Adoketa is an excellent parent, so keeping the parents with the fry is often the best option.

Final Thoughts:

The Ivanacara Adoketa is a captivating and peaceful cichlid that makes an excellent choice for community aquariums. Its small size, beautiful coloration, and tranquil demeanor allow it to thrive in a variety of setups. By maintaining proper water conditions, providing a balanced diet, and ensuring compatibility with other species, you can enjoy this stunning fish for many years. Whether you're a novice or an experienced aquarist, the Ivanacara Adoketa is a perfect addition to any peaceful aquarium.