Electric blue acara

Andinoacara pulcher · Cichlidae

Also known as Blue acara

Intermediate

Metallic blue medium cichlid; calmer than most and manageable in a 200 L tank.

In short: An electric blue acara needs at least 200 L (53 US gal), water at 23–29 °C (73–84 °F) and pH 6.5–8. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.

Updated 6 October 2026

Minimum tank: 200 L (53 US gal)
Temperature: 23–29 °C (73–84 °F)
pH: 6.5–8
Adult size: 16 cm (6.3 in)
Group size: 1+

Care requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L (53 US gal)
Temperature: 23–29 °C (73–84 °F)
pH: 6.5–8
Hardness: 5–20 dGH
Lifespan: 8–10 years
Diet: Omnivore — pellets, frozen bloodworm, prawn pieces.
Care level: Intermediate

Origin & habitat

Native region: Venezuela and Trinidad
Water type: Freshwater
Biotope: Slow, sandy lowland streams
Natural conditions: Warm, medium-hard, gently flowing water.

Behaviour & stocking

Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum group: 1 fish
Swims: All levels
Good tank mates: Silver dollar
Bristlenose pleco
Larger tetras
Avoid: Nano fish
Shrimp
Very aggressive cichlids

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty: Intermediate
Sexing: Males grow larger with extended dorsal and anal fins.
Notes: Open substrate spawner; parents guard fry cooperatively.
Common ailments: Ich
Hexamita

Will it fit your tank?

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