Origin
Wild-type Acarichthys heckelii are native to the Amazon and Essequibo basins, particularly in Brazil, Guyana, and Peru. The albino variant is a selectively bred morph.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Displays elongated, trailing dorsal and anal fins, a luminous white body, and subtle red or pink undertones in the eyes and gill area. Moves with calm, fluid grace, adding elegance to mid-size tanks.

Purpose
Visually striking centerpiece fish in community setups. Also plays a role in controlling microfauna populations and detritus, occasionally sifting substrate.

Importance
Brings a cichlid presence without the aggression. A good “gateway” species into the cichlid world—calm, social, and less territorial than other types.

Included Resources
Requires soft to moderately hard water, sandy or fine gravel substrate, driftwood or stones for cover, and moderate lighting. Benefits from regular water changes and stable temps.

Best Use Cases
Ideal for South American community tanks, peaceful cichlid groups, or planted aquascapes that need a mid-sized, non-disruptive showpiece.

Conservation Context
Albino morphs are tank-bred. Keeping them helps reduce interest in wild-caught variants and supports ethical breeding practices.

Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Keyhole or Festivum cichlids
• Silver dollars
• Peaceful Geophagus species
• Larger tetras (e.g., Congo, Lemon)
• Corydoras and Bristlenose plecos

Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.1190° S
• Longitude: -60.0217° W
(Manaus, Brazil — Rio Negro region)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 3.9339° N
• Longitude: -58.9970° W
(Linden, Guyana — Essequibo River basin)