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A stunning South American cichlid with an easygoing temperament, the Blue Acara (Andinocara pulcher) is a shimmering gem in any freshwater aquarium. With its vibrant electric-blue scales, metallic sheen, and fluid movement, this hardy and peaceful species is ideal for aquarists seeking beauty without the drama.
While it may share looks with its feistier cichlid cousins, the Blue Acara is relatively docile, making it an excellent choice for community tanks with similarly sized and temperament-matched fish. They’re intelligent, interactive, and full of personality.
Species: Andinocara pulcher
Common Names: Blue Acara
Origin: Central & South America – Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia
Light Requirements: Moderate
Diet: Omnivorous – Accepts high-quality pellets, frozen foods, and live offerings like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Maximum Size: Up to 15 cm
Temperament: Peaceful to mildly territorial (especially during breeding)
Care Level: Intermediate
Aquarium Setup:
Blue Acaras thrive in well-filtered aquariums of 120 litres or more, with soft to moderately hard water and stable conditions. They enjoy a naturalistic setup with sandy substrate, driftwood, and plenty of hiding places. Live or hardy artificial plants work well, though they may be rearranged by curious Acaras. Provide open swimming space and avoid housing them with overly aggressive or tiny fish.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 3–15 dGH
Growth and Maintenance:
This species is relatively low-maintenance and adaptable, making it suitable for intermediate aquarists. Males tend to be larger with slightly longer dorsal and anal fins. They may display mild territorial behaviour during spawning but are generally less aggressive than most other cichlids.
Care Tips:
✔ Feed a varied omnivorous diet for best colouration and health
✔ Maintain excellent water quality with regular partial water changes
✔ Tankmates should be robust but peaceful – think rainbows, larger tetras, or peaceful catfish
✔ Breeding pairs may dig and defend territory
Compatibility:
Best kept in pairs or peaceful communities with fish of similar size. Avoid fin-nippers and overly aggressive tankmates. Can be housed with other medium-sized cichlids, loaches, or plecos with care.
Availability:
Commonly available in the aquarium trade. Tank-bred specimens are widely preferred for their adaptability and strong health.