Electric Blue Acara - Andinoacara pulcher

Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher)

The Electric Blue Acara is a striking freshwater cichlid admired for its intense metallic blue colouration, compact body shape and relatively manageable temperament. More peaceful than many similarly sized cichlids, it can make an excellent centrepiece fish for larger community aquariums when kept with suitably robust tankmates. Intelligent, active and attractive, this selectively bred form is best maintained in a mature aquarium with stable water quality, good filtration and plenty of structured territory.

Common Name:
Electric Blue Acara

Scientific Name (Latin):
Andinoacara pulcher

Maximum Size:
Approximately 12–15 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Electric Blue Acara is a selectively bred ornamental form of Andinoacara pulcher.

Wild Andinoacara pulcher originate from freshwater habitats in northern South America and are associated with slow to moderately flowing rivers, streams, floodplain waters and areas containing submerged wood, rocks and vegetation.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–28°C
pH Range: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to Moderate
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable

Temperament:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

The Electric Blue Acara is generally more peaceful than many medium-sized cichlids and can be maintained successfully in larger community aquariums.

Mature pairs may become territorial during breeding, so adequate space and visual barriers should be provided.

Diet:
Omnivore

Offer a varied diet including quality cichlid pellets or granules, frozen or live brine shrimp, bloodworm, daphnia and other suitably sized foods.

Spirulina-enriched and vegetable-based foods can also be included regularly to provide a balanced diet.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 180 litres

A larger aquarium is recommended for pairs or mixed community setups, particularly where other territorial fish are present.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Electric Blue Acara is an active and intelligent cichlid that spends much of its time exploring the middle and lower areas of the aquarium.

It may establish preferred territories around rocks, wood and caves while also making regular use of open swimming space.

Provide a combination of structured cover, planted areas and open water.

Community Suitability:
Community Fish / Semi-Aggressive

The Electric Blue Acara can work well in a larger community aquarium with carefully selected tankmates.

Suitable companions may include larger tetras, rainbowfish, Corydoras, peaceful catfish and other robust fish that tolerate similar water conditions.

Avoid very small fish that may eventually be viewed as prey, as well as highly aggressive cichlids that may intimidate or injure them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature aquarium with stable water chemistry, strong biological filtration and regular partial water changes.

Use caves, driftwood and rockwork to create clear territories and visual barriers.

A soft sand or smooth gravel substrate is suitable and allows natural foraging behaviour.

Pairs may become more territorial during breeding, so additional space is beneficial where other bottom-oriented fish are present.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry.

Because the Electric Blue Acara is a selectively bred colour form, the intensity and distribution of metallic blue colouration can vary naturally between individuals.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.