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Blue Acara, lat. Andinoacara pulcher


Order: Cichliformes;
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Andinoacara;
Species and synonyms: Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher, Aequidens pulcher, Blue Acara, Electric Blue Acara, Acara bleu).

GBIF: Andinoacara pulcher (Gill, 1858)

Blue Acara (lat. Andinoacara pulcher) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Andinoacara. One of the most popular and undemanding South American cichlids in the aquarium hobby.

Distribution. The natural range of the Blue Acara covers freshwater bodies of South America: the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, as well as the island of Trinidad. The fish prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in backwaters and floodplain lakes.

Care requirements. The Blue Acara is a cichlid that grows up to 10–15 cm in the aquarium. To keep a pair or a group, an aquarium of at least 100 liters with a length of 80 cm is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Filtration, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, stones, driftwood and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants are planted in the substrate or used in pots.

Blue Acaras are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, fish and vegetation in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality flakes and pellets for cichlids, live and frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, shrimp), as well as plant components. It is important to vary the diet. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.

In the aquarium, Blue Acaras are active in the middle and lower water layers. They are peaceful compared to other large cichlids, but may show aggression towards conspecifics and small fish during spawning. Recommended tankmates include other peaceful cichlids, large characins, catfish, livebearers. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving fish and with fish of smaller size.

Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Blue Acaras are substrate spawners: they lay eggs on flat stones, driftwood or in pre-dug pits. They reach sexual maturity at 8–10 months. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh water and a temperature increase of 1–2°C are recommended. The male and female form a stable pair and jointly care for the offspring. Fry are fed Artemia nauplii, microworms and fine dry food.

The Blue Acara gets its name from its characteristic bluish or blue-green coloration with many small light spots on the body and fins. Coloration varies from silvery-blue to bright blue with an electric sheen. The selective form "Electric Blue" is distinguished by a particularly bright blue coloration. Life expectancy is 8–12 years.