Electric Blue Acara care guide
Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) — minimum tank 150 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5.
Overview
The Electric Blue Acara is a selectively bred colour form of Andinoacara pulcher, a peaceful South American cichlid. The line displays an even, iridescent neon-blue body with subtle vertical bars; the wild form has a paler grey-green base with metallic blue scaling.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Andinoacara
- Scientific name: Andinoacara pulcher
- Common synonyms: Blue Acara
Habitat
The parent species inhabits coastal lowland streams and floodplain ponds of Trinidad, Venezuela and northern Colombia, occurring over sand and leaf-litter substrates among submerged roots in soft, warm and slow-moving water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (39.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 12-15 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-15 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
Diet
An omnivore that takes worms, insects, crustaceans and plant material in the wild. In aquaria it accepts quality cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and chopped earthworm; vary the diet to maintain colour and growth.
Compatibility
Considered one of the most peaceful neotropical cichlids and suitable for a planted community tank with similarly sized companions. Suitable tank mates include large tetras (Congo, Buenos Aires), Corydoras, Bristlenose Pleco and Rainbowfish. Avoid very small dither fish that may be eaten.
Breeding
A substrate spawner. A bonded pair excavates a pit or cleans a flat rock, lays a few hundred eggs and guards the brood diligently; both parents fan and tend to the wrigglers and fry, which become free-swimming in about a week.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The wild parent species has a wide range and stable populations; almost all aquarium-trade stock is captive-bred, particularly the Electric Blue line.