Blue Acara – Andinoacara pulcher

The Blue Acara is a stunning freshwater cichlid featuring a shimmering blue body with metallic highlights and a peaceful temperament. Its vibrant coloration and manageable size make it a popular choice for cichlid enthusiasts and community tank setups.

Description:

Common Name: Blue Acara

Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher

Family: Cichlidae

Size: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)

Difficulty: Easy

Native Region:

Blue Acaras are native to freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams in Central and South America, particularly in Colombia, Venezuela, and Trinidad.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons

Temperature: 72-82F (22-28C)

pH: 6.5-8.0

Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Substrate: Sand or fine gravel, with driftwood, rocks, and live plants to mimic their natural habitat.

Additional Tips:

Social Behavior: Blue Acaras are generally peaceful but can become territorial during breeding. They do well in community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive species.

Compatibility: Ideal tank mates include peaceful cichlids, larger tetras, and catfish species like Plecos or Corydoras.

Diet: Feed a varied diet of high-quality pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp to enhance their health and coloration.