Port Acara

Cichlasoma portalegrense

Port Acara (Cichlasoma portalegrense) — Easy care, Semi-aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 53 US gal min; aim for 68–81°F and pH 6–7.5. Details below match the app.

Port Acara (Cichlasoma portalegrense) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelEasy
TemperamentSemi-aggressive
Min tank size53 US gal min
pH range6–7.5
Temperature68–81°F
Max size5.9 in (15.0 cm)
Captive lifespan8–12 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

South America

  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Port Acara Tank Setup

Plan for at least 53 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 68–81°F and pH 6–7.5 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid/Bottom zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Port Acaras Eat?

We record diet as Omnivore (varies). Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Port Acara Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Semi-aggressive. One of the more peaceful Central/South American cichlids. Pairs bond; may be aggressive when breeding. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Port Acaras Good for Beginners?

Often a sensible first fish once the tank is cycled and you are willing to test water sometimes. Skip the impulse buy on the same day you set up the tank.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.