Blue Acara Cichlid – Andinoacara pulcher

The Blue Acara Cichlid (Andinoacara pulcher) is a beautiful freshwater cichlid known for its shimmering blue-green coloration, peaceful personality relative to many other cichlids, and engaging behavior.

Native to parts of northern South America and Trinidad, the Blue Acara is a hardy and adaptable species that works well in larger community aquariums with appropriately sized tankmates. Adults can reach around 6 inches and appreciate plenty of swimming room, caves, driftwood, and open areas.

Key Features

• Attractive blue-green iridescent coloration
• Relatively peaceful for a medium-sized cichlid
• Intelligent and interactive aquarium fish
• Can be kept singly or as a compatible pair
• Suitable for larger community aquariums
• Hardy and adaptable to a range of water conditions
• Substrate-spawning cichlid
• Both parents may guard eggs and fry

Fish Information

• Common Name: Blue Acara
• Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Northern South America and Trinidad
• Water Type: Freshwater
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive / relatively peaceful for a cichlid
• Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 inches
• Swimming Level: Middle to lower levels
• Diet: Omnivore with a strong carnivorous component
• Care Level: Easy to moderate

Color and Appearance

Blue Acaras typically display a blue, turquoise, or blue-green sheen across the body and face. Dark vertical markings may be visible along the body, while the fins often develop attractive blue edging and iridescent highlights.

Mature males are often more colorful and may develop slightly longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins.

Adult Size

Blue Acaras generally reach around 5–6 inches as adults. FishBase lists a maximum total length of approximately 16 cm, or a little over 6 inches.

Recommended Aquarium Size

A 40-gallon breeder or larger is a practical minimum for a single adult Blue Acara.

For a pair, we recommend approximately 55 gallons or larger, especially if the aquarium contains additional tankmates.

More space is always beneficial because Blue Acaras may establish territories, particularly when breeding.

Recommended Water Parameters

• Temperature: Approximately 72–82°F
• pH: Approximately 6.5–8.0
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard, with considerable adaptability
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Kept low through regular maintenance

Stable water quality is especially important. Blue Acaras may tolerate a relatively broad range of water chemistry, but deteriorating water quality can cause stress and health problems.

Aquarium Setup

Blue Acaras appreciate an aquarium with both open swimming room and defined territories.

• Use a fully cycled freshwater aquarium
• Provide strong biological filtration
• Use a sand or smooth gravel substrate
• Add driftwood and rockwork
• Provide caves and sheltered areas
• Leave open swimming space
• Maintain good oxygenation
• Perform regular partial water changes

Blue Acaras may dig in the substrate, especially when breeding. Rooted plants may be disturbed, while plants attached to décor, such as Anubias and Java fern, are often more practical choices.

Feeding

Blue Acaras are omnivorous but naturally consume a substantial amount of animal-based food.

A varied diet may include:

• High-quality cichlid pellets
• Quality sinking or slow-sinking pellets
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Frozen mysis shrimp
• Bloodworms as a supplemental food
• Krill
• Chopped shrimp
• Occasional vegetable-based foods

Feed appropriately sized portions once or twice daily and avoid overfeeding.

Temperament

Blue Acaras are generally considered one of the more peaceful medium-sized cichlids.

They can often be kept with other similarly sized, peaceful or moderately assertive fish. However, like most cichlids, they may become territorial when establishing a pair or guarding eggs and fry.

Compatible Tankmates

Potential tankmates may include:

• Medium-sized tetras
• Rainbowfish
• Peaceful barbs
• Larger Corydoras species
• Plecos
• Other peaceful South American cichlids
• Other similarly sized community fish

Avoid very small fish that may eventually be viewed as prey, as well as highly aggressive cichlids that may bully the Blue Acara.

Can Blue Acaras Live With Other Cichlids?

Yes, but compatibility depends on aquarium size, individual temperament, and the species involved.

Blue Acaras generally do better with comparatively peaceful cichlids than with highly aggressive species.

Breeding

Blue Acaras are substrate-spawning cichlids and can breed readily in captivity.

A bonded pair may choose a flat rock, broad surface, or cleared area of substrate for spawning. Both parents typically participate in protecting the eggs and fry.

During breeding, the pair may become significantly more territorial toward other aquarium inhabitants.

Male vs. Female

Mature males are often somewhat larger and more intensely colored, with slightly more pointed dorsal and anal fins.

Females are generally rounder-bodied and may have shorter, more rounded fins.

Sexing young Blue Acaras can be difficult until they mature.

Plants and Aquascaping

Blue Acaras can be kept in planted aquariums, but they may dig and rearrange substrate.

Good plant choices include:

• Anubias attached to driftwood or rock
• Java fern
• Bolbitis
• Floating plants
• Other hardy plants secured to décor

Rooted plants may need protection, especially around a breeding pair.

Important Care Notes

• Provide adequate aquarium space.
• Maintain strong biological filtration.
• Keep ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm.
• Perform consistent water changes.
• Provide hiding places and territorial boundaries.
• Expect increased territorial behavior during breeding.
• Avoid keeping with fish small enough to be swallowed.
• Never release aquarium fish into local waterways.

Frequently Asked Questions

How large do Blue Acaras get?
They generally reach around 5–6 inches as adults.

Are Blue Acaras aggressive?
They are relatively peaceful compared with many cichlids, but they can become territorial, especially when breeding.

What size aquarium does a Blue Acara need?
A 40-gallon breeder or larger is a practical minimum for one adult, while 55 gallons or more is preferred for a pair or community setup.

Can Blue Acaras live in a community aquarium?
Yes. They can work well with appropriately sized, peaceful tankmates in a sufficiently large aquarium.

Do Blue Acaras eat small fish?
They may eat fish small enough to fit in their mouths, so very small tankmates are not recommended.

Are Blue Acaras easy to breed?
They are one of the easier medium-sized cichlids to breed once a compatible pair forms.

Do Blue Acaras care for their babies?
Yes. Both parents commonly guard the eggs and fry.

Are Blue Acaras good beginner cichlids?
Yes. Their manageable adult size, relatively peaceful temperament, and adaptability make them a good introduction to medium-sized cichlids when proper aquarium space and filtration are provided.

Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo

Blue Acara Cichlids are available at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.

Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only and are not available for shipping.

---

Explore More Aquarium Products:

• Shop Fish Medications & Treatments
• Ich Treatment Care Guide
• Kanaplex vs Metroplex
• Shop Freshwater Fish for Sale
• Read Aquarium Care Guides & Tips