Introduction
Acanthicus adonis, called Acary avion, is a catfish whose distribution is mainly centered on the lower basin of the Rio Tocantins in Brazil. Populations are also reported in the basins of the Rio Solimões, at the triple border between Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, as well as in the basins of the rios Yujo and Ucayali in Peru.
Although the species is considered rare in museum collections and infrequent in scientific samples, its overall population appears stable. This apparent rarity may result from limited sampling efforts rather than a real decline. The species is popular in the international aquarium hobby, where it is commercialized under the name "Peruvian Adonis" or Acary avion, although it is not always included in specific export regulations.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Type
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Average size80 cm
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Maximum size102 cm
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Longevity20 year
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ShapeCatfish
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Patterncircle pattern
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Type
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Average size80 cm
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Maximum size102 cm
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Longevity20 year
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ShapeCatfish
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Patterncircle pattern
How to recognize This fish ?
This loricariid shares with its congener Acanthicus hystrix the absence of an adipose fin, the presence of small abdominal plates, and expanded pectoral spines. Its body is protected by rows of carinae formed by hypertrophied odontodes. The color pattern is the major distinguishing feature: the background is dark brown, densely dotted with white spots or light patches covering the body and fins, unlike the dark uniformity of A. hystrix.
Furthermore, the caudal fin lacks the characteristic ochre to gray stripes of the other species. Acanthicus adonis reaches a more modest size, with a maximum standard length recorded of 30.4 cm, about half the size of its relative. Its vernacular name in German is "Elfenwels", meaning Elven Loricariidae. It derives this nickname from its very slender silhouette and large pectoral fins that it uses as wings in the current.
Sexual dimorphism
Mature males develop longer and sturdier odontodes on the pectoral spines, operculum, and cheeks compared to females. These secondary sexual characteristics likely intensify as maturity approaches and may be accompanied by increased aggression in males.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietomnivorous with herbivorous tendency
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialYes
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Way of livingnocturnal
Acanthicus adonis inhabits clear water rivers, where it occupies the same ecological niches as other members of the genus. It feeds in an omnivorous manner with a herbivorous tendency, grazing on periphyton and organic matter on submerged substrates.
This species displays discreet behavior, hiding under rocks or roots during the day. Mature males exhibit territorial behavior, defending their shelters against conspecifics.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui pond sur substrat caché
Spawning likely occurs in protected cavities (under rocks or in hollow logs), with egg and fry guarding carried out by the male. The breeding season and fecundity remain to be documented, but likely follow the seasonal rainfall and flood cycles typical of Amazonian basins.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Origin and distribution
Geographic distribution & Conservation
The known distribution range includes the lower course of the Rio Tocantins (potential sympatry area with A. hystrix in the wider basin, but Acanthicus adonis is geographically restricted there), as well as isolated sectors of the Solimões and Ucayali basins in Peru. The pressure from the aquarium trade exists, but does not appear to threaten the viability of wild populations at the moment. The distinction between Peruvian and Brazilian populations is sometimes debated, with some specimens sold as affinis forms, but they all belong to the same valid species.
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature20 - 30 °C
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pH (acidity)6 - 7.8
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gh (hardness)9 - 19
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FlowStrong
Biotope presentation
This fish inhabits tropical waterways with varied characteristics, frequenting both white water (rich in sediments) and clear water. It is specialized in bottom (benthic) zones, likely in areas with moderate current and available rocky shelters. Its presence in distinct basins suggests an ability to adapt to different turbidity conditions, as long as the habitat structure offers hiding places and grazing surfaces.
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
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Min volume800 liters
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Population min1
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Temperature20 - 30 °C
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pH (acidity)6 - 7.8
Characteristics
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Difficulty breedingmoderate
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Robustnessrobust
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Behaviourpeaceful
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Availabilityoccasional
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
In nature, animals are subject to weather conditions and live in waters with variable characteristics. The recommendations offered by our team for aquarium maintenance are a guidance and cannot be assimilated to scientific datas.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Une eau trop dure ou trop calcaire peut être inadaptée à de nombreuses espèces tropicales d’eau douce. Si nécessaire, vous pouvez la couper avec de l’eau osmosée ou de pluie filtrée afin d’obtenir une dureté plus adaptée aux besoins de vos poissons et de vos plantes. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for the Acary avion
The Acary avion is a species which lives naturally at a temperature between 20 °C and 30 °C. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month.
The breeding of this species is accessible on condition of being well informed about its needs in aquarium . Any cohabitants must be chosen with care to avoid the loss of animals.
This species is generally available in specialized shops or from aquarium clubs. Specimens that have been bred for a long time are easier to breed, but special water parameters must be respected.
Cohabitation & Environment
In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 800 liters.
As previously said, The Acary avion is a species that lives naturally in the current. Thus, we advise the installation of an oversized filtration system (10 to 20 times the volume of the tank) in order to guarantee a strong current and especially a strong oxygenation. A venturi system will improve the dissolved oxygen rate during summer.
To best reproduce the biotope of this species, you can cover the bottom of the tank with sand and put a pile of stones to form caves.
Tips for feeding
The Acary avion is omnivorous with herbivorous tendency.
Feed animals in moderation to maintain good water quality. Meals should be eaten within 2–3 minutes, served in several small portions rather than a single large ration.
Uneaten food quickly decomposes, releasing ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which disturb the aquarium’s biological balance.
Make sure each species can access food properly, slower or bottom-dwelling individuals may require targeted feeding.Food recommendations from our partner JBL - Products PRONOVO
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Sticks
Reproduction protocol
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Maintenance difficultyvery hard
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egg-laying protectionYes
Reproduction of this species in an aquarium is considered very hard. Ideally, it takes place at a temperature of around 24 ° C for a pH of 65 .
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
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To go further
Species of the same family
To read on the web
Partner websites
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Robert Allgayer
Christophe Girardet
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
In collaboration with : Fédération Française Aquariophilie
Bibliographic references
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Species of the same family
