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Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
📍 Central America and South America
The Blue Acara is a medium-sized, colorful cichlid native to South America, known for its striking blue coloration and peaceful temperament compared to other cichlids. This hardy fish is an excellent choice for intermediate aquarists looking to keep cichlids without the aggression of larger species. Blue Acaras are intelligent, interactive fish that form pair bonds and exhibit fascinating breeding behavior.
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Care Guide
Diet
Blue Acaras are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet consisting of high-quality cichlid pellets as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia 2-3 times weekly. Occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods supports digestive health. Feed once or twice daily in amounts they can consume within 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Blue Acaras are moderately active fish that spend time in the middle and lower water column, often exploring the substrate and rearranging decorations. They are social and can be kept in pairs or small groups, though they become territorial during breeding season. These intelligent fish recognize their owners and display curious, interactive behavior.
Breeding
Blue Acaras are relatively easy to breed in captivity and form monogamous pairs that exhibit strong parental care. Provide a separate breeding tank with flat surfaces (slate or clay pots) for egg-laying, slightly warmer water (26-28°C), and excellent filtration. Pairs will aggressively defend eggs and fry, so remove other tank mates during this period.
Tank Mates
Small tetras may be viewed as food; keep only with well-fed, larger specimens
Similar to Neon Tetras; size and numbers help reduce predation risk
Peaceful algae eaters that don't compete directly with Acaras
Both are cichlids; may compete for territory, especially during breeding
Schooling fish that stay in upper water column and avoid confrontation
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects, lethargy
Raise water temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; continue for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication (e.g., tetracycline) if bacterial infection is confirmed; ensure optimal water parameters
Hole-in-the-Head Disease (Hexamita)
Pits or holes in the head region, loss of appetite, white stringy feces, lethargy
Perform 50% water changes, improve diet with quality foods and vitamin supplements, use metronidazole-based medication; maintain excellent water quality and avoid stress
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, fin damage, loss of color, behavioral changes
Perform frequent water changes, quarantine affected fish, use broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., kanamycin or tetracycline) as directed; maintain pristine water conditions
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - feeds on high-quality cichlid pellets, live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and occasional vegetables
- lifespan
- 10-15 years
- max size
- 18 cm (7 in)
- tank size
- 55 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)