Blue Acara Tropical Fish Information
Andinoacara pulcherBehaviour Territorial, males may fight, otherwise relatively peaceful
Typical size 12cm
Max size 15cm
Tank Area All, lower regions
Min Tank Size 90cm
Temp Min: 18℃ Max: 24℃
Feeding Flake, pellet, live or frozen foods
pH Range 6-8.5
Hardness s,m,h,vh
Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher)
Blue Acara Tropical Fish Learn all about the Blue Acara's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. Use our fish community creator tool to plan your tank set up and ensure that the Blue Acara is the right fish for your aquarium.
The Blue Acara is a good introduction to the medium sized Cichlids of this type. Whilst territorial, the fish are generally tolerant of others and unless breeding, when they become very defensive, they are generally peaceful. The fish form pairs, and it is best to keep them this way. For aquariums up to 90cm, a single pair is best to avoid fights should one pair decide to breed. Blue Acaras are adaptable to a wide range of conditions and can even be kept in cool water. In nature the fish feeds on insects, aquatic animals and crustaceans, so the addition of live or frozen meaty foods like bloodworm will be of benefit. Because of their size and diet, good filtration and monitoring of nitrates is essential. Hardy plants may be ignored, but other vegetation may be damaged. Whilst the fish prefer a sandy or fine substrate, they can be kept in almost any aquarium with a few hiding places. When purchasing beware of another cichlid, the Green Terror (Aequidens rivulatus) which can look very similar when young, but will mature to be much more aggressive.
Blue Acara Facts
Family Cichlidae (Cichlids) | Synonyms Acara vittata, Aequidens latifrons, Cychlasoma pulchrum, | Origin Central & South America | Breeding Eggs are laid on open surfaces and defended by both parents | Natural Water Conditions pH 6.5-8, medium-hard | Natural Habitat Streams and standing water | Sexing Males have longer dorsal & anal fins and may be larger & brighter coloured
Blue Acara Help and Advice
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