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Electric Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher hybrid
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae
📍 Trinidad & Venezuela, South America
A vibrant, metallic blue cichlid bred for its intense colouration. Remarkably peaceful for a medium-sized cichlid, it can coexist with many community fish. Hardy and adaptable, making it an excellent choice for keepers wanting cichlid character without aggression.
Care Guide
Diet
Electric Blue Acaras are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia 2-3 times weekly. Include vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae-based foods occasionally. Feed adults once daily in portions they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
These cichlids are moderately active mid-water swimmers with a semi-aggressive temperament, particularly during breeding season or when defending territory. They are curious and intelligent fish that interact with their environment and can recognize their owners. They may uproot plants and dig in substrate while foraging, so secure vegetation and provide open areas for natural behaviors.
Breeding
Electric Blue Acaras breed readily in captivity and are considered easy to moderate in difficulty. Provide a flat surface or cave for spawning, maintain water temperature around 26-28°C, and ensure good water quality with frequent partial water changes. Pairs are typically monogamous and will aggressively defend eggs and fry; remove other fish during breeding to prevent aggression.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eater that stays in lower zones; avoid during breeding season when acaras become territorial
Similar-sized cichlid with comparable care requirements; may compete for space but generally compatible in larger tanks
Small schooling fish that may be nipped at; only suitable in larger tanks with plenty of cover
Fast-moving schooling fish that can coexist if tank is large enough; may trigger predatory behavior in some individuals
Hardy plant that resists uprooting and provides shelter; can be tied to rocks or driftwood
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; treat for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove sharp decorations, use antibiotic medication if severe; ensure temperature stays 24-26°C
Hole-in-the-Head Disease (HITH)
Small holes or pits developing on head and lateral line, loss of appetite, weight loss
Perform large water changes, improve diet with varied foods including vegetables, use activated carbon in filter, maintain optimal water quality; may indicate nutritional deficiency or poor water conditions
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, fin damage, loss of color, lethargy
Perform daily 25-30% water changes, maintain pristine water quality, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication if necessary; isolate severely affected fish to hospital tank
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Tanks keeping this 🐟
Kept by 1 hobbyistCommunity tanks featuring Electric Blue Acara.
Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, blanched vegetables
- lifespan
- 8–10 years
- max size
- 16 cm (6 in)
- tank size
- 30 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 3–20 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)