Blue-Dotted Acara (Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus) Care Guide
Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus is a hardy Central American acara from Panama and Costa Rica with blue spotting on each scale, described by Kner in 1863.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus, known as the blue-dotted acara, blue-point flag cichlid or chogorro, is a Central American cichlid described by Kner in 1863. It is a hardy, adaptable species marked by blue spotting across the body.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Andinoacara
- Scientific name: Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus
- Described by Kner, 1863
Habitat
The species occurs in Central America on the Atlantic slope of Panama and the Pacific slope of Costa Rica, including the Coto River. It inhabits freshwater streams and rivers across this range.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (about 53 gal)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.8
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 14.5 cm (males)
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Wikipedia notes males reaching about 14.5 cm total length. The water parameters above follow the verified KB record and the species' adaptable, moderately hard-water tolerance.
Diet
The species is an omnivore. In the aquarium it readily takes prepared foods, frozen and live invertebrates and some plant matter, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
Semi-aggressive and mid-water dwelling, it can be kept with robust tankmates such as convict cichlids, silver dollars and bristlenose plecos. Tiny tetras may be eaten and overtly aggressive cichlids should be avoided, particularly during breeding.
Breeding
Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus is an open substrate spawner. It produces eggs by the hundreds, and both parents guard the eggs and fry, continuing care for about a week after the fry become free-swimming.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
Blue-Dotted Acara (Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus) Breeding Guide
Overview
Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus is a Central American acara found on the Atlantic slope of Panama and the Pacific slope of Costa Rica, reaching up to about 19.5 cm SL. It inhabits stagnant and slow, shallow waters rich in organic material and feeds on aquatic insects. It is an open substrate spawner with biparental care, and is among the more approachable cichlids to breed.
Sexing
Males grow larger and tend to develop more extended finnage, but definitive sexing is easiest by venting or by observing a settled, established pair.
Conditioning
Keep a group and allow a pair to form, then condition well. The species tolerates a broad range of conditions, recorded over a temperature of 22-29 °C, pH 5.5-8.0 and hardness of about 1.5-8 dH.
Breeding Setup
- Temperature 22-29 °C; pH within 5.5-8.0; hardness about 1.5-8 dH
- Flat rocks or other open surfaces as spawning sites
- Slow-moving, mature water with some cover
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
This cichlid is an open bottom spawner that produces eggs by the hundreds, laid on a cleaned flat surface and fertilised by the male.
Egg & Fry Care
Both parents care for the eggs and fry until the fry have been free-swimming for about a week, guarding and herding the brood across the substrate.
Common Challenges
The species is semi-aggressive and becomes territorial when breeding, so tankmates may need to be removed or given ample space. Large clutches mean fry growout can require significant rearing capacity.