Electric Blue Acara (5-6CM)

Electric Blue Acara are one of the most popular Acaras in the hobby, a bright blue with distinct orange finnage.

Common name(s):

• Electric Blue Acara.

Scientific name:

• Andinoacara pulcher

Family:

• Cichlidae.

Colour:

• Blue, Orange and Black 

Native habitat:

• Mid and upper reaches of the Andes mountain chain in Trinidad and Tobago

Potential lifespan:

• 5-10 years.

Maximum size (approx.):

• Males 13cm.

• Females 10cm.

Degree of difficulty to keep:

• For slightly more experienced fishkeepers.

Swimming level:

• Bottom / deeper areas.

Breeding:

• Egg layer.

Sex:

• Males are bigger, more colourful and have more extended fins than females.

Temperature:

• 22-28°c.

Water parameters:

• pH 6.5-8.0 for tank bred specimens. Wild caught fish will do go to 4.0.

• Hardness 0-10°dGH.

• Keep nitrate levels low.

Feeding:

• A mix of flakes, granules, and for a treat, live or frozen tropical foods.

Minimum aquarium size:

• 100cm long.

Cohabitation:

• Best kept in small groups for the species to pair off themselves.

• Suitable to keep with all small community fish including Tetra’s, Danio’s, Barbs, Rasboras, and Corydoras.

• Can also be kept with Discus, Angelfish, other similar temperament cichlids.

Other tips and information:

• Good filtration.

• Regular partial water changes.

• If intending on breeding this species, add some caves or plant pots in different areas of tank for the fish to choose their own place to spawn.