New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🐠 Aquarium 🌡️ Tropical

Doublespot acara

Aequidens pallidus Heckel, 1840
Max Length
14.3 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.2
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
21.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Collected from lotic black to clear water: in Rio Uatumá, this species was collected from marginal pools in rapids after the Balbina dam was closed and the river level dropped considerably below normal low water Ievel; Río Preto da Eva site was a relatively slow flowing small forest stream, while the Igarape Tarumázinho site was a swift flowing forest stream. Although collections indicate swamps and lakes, this species has been collected mostly in running water. Reported food items of specimens from Río Negro were chiefly fish and detritus . Inhabits rivers . Maximum length 20.0 cm TL .

Scientific Name
Aequidens pallidus
Authority
Heckel, 1840
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
14.3 cm
Trophic Level
3.2
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
21.00/100
Water Temp
22–30 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

This species is moderately large (to c. 14.0 cm) with triserial predorsal scale pattern, relatively long pectoral fin (36.6-44.6% of SL) and 25-26 scales in the E1 row. It is most similar to A. tubicen, both of which have an enhanced, wide light spot anterior to the caudal spot, lateral band high on side, posteriorly positioned midlateral spot, and high vertebral count (14 + 13 = 27). A. pallidus differs from A. tubicen in the colour pattern, having a supraorbital spot, (vs. none in A. tubicen) and a normal cheek spot (A. tubicen has a preopercular spot). In this species the posterior part of the lateral band is uninterrupted at all sizes (vs. divided into blotches in A. tubicen). Aequidens pallidus, though resembling A. diadema, can be distinguished from the latter by having higher E1 scale row count 25-26 (vs. 24); much narrower dark margins on dorsal flank scales; and, more posteriorly positioned midlateral spot (through E3 scales 12-15 instead of c. 10-13) .: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Doublespot acara is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

👄 Mouth Brooder

Not a larvophil mouthbrooder .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 10. Tropical; 22°C - 30°C South America: Amazon River basin, in the middle and lower Negro River, Uatumã, Preto da Eva, and Puraquequara rivers.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.2±0.5

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.02291 × L3.17 (TL)
Max TL
14.3cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
22–30°C
pH Range
6.5–7.5
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
21.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.2
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Heckel, 1840

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Aequidens Pallidus is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Doublespot acara is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Doublespot acara has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet - be the first to log one!

View all observations for Doublespot acara ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.