Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Blue acara care

Andinoacara pulcher

Blue acara. Photo: Kristof Zyskowski, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Photo: Kristof Zyskowski / Wikimedia Commons (via iNaturalist) · Source · CC BY 4.0Site-generated responsive WebP derivatives only; original image identity and attribution preserved.

The blue acara (Andinoacara pulcher) is a medium-sized South American cichlid with blue-green markings across its head and flanks. It is native to Trinidad and adjacent parts of Venezuela. It has been familiar in the aquarium hobby for many years and is often described as a relatively approachable cichlid. It is still not a small community fish: adults may reach about 15 cm standard length and need substantial floor space. It digs, can uproot rooted plants and is sensitive to declining water quality. A formed pair may defend eggs and fry fiercely. Small fish may be treated as prey. Take care with trade names, too: vivid electric-blue forms can have uncertain or hybrid ancestry and should not automatically be treated as the standard blue acara covered here.

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At a glance

Temperature: 22–28 °C
pH: 6.5–8.0
GH: 5–25 °dGH
Aquarium length: At least 120 cm
Adult size: Up to 15 cm
Group size: At least 2 individuals
Temperament: Peaceful, Territorial

About this species

The accepted name is Andinoacara pulcher (Gill, 1858), in the family Cichlidae. It was formerly known as Aequidens pulcher; that historical combination is not a separate species. Blue-green lines and spots across the head and body are characteristic, although their intensity varies with individual and mood. Seriously Fish reports a maximum of 150 mm standard length. FishBase gives 16 cm total length; total length includes the tail fin while standard length does not, so the two figures are not directly comparable.

Very bright electric-blue captive forms are also sold. Their lineage is not always reliably traceable, and specialist sources warn that some may be hybrids or uncertain in identity. This guide covers the standard blue acara and does not use electric-blue imagery or care claims as evidence for a distinct, reliably identified line.

Natural habitat

The species is native to Trinidad and adjacent parts of Venezuela. Its habitat is not a single uniform environment: Seriously Fish describes waters ranging from turbid, nearly still habitats to clear streams and rivers. That broad range does not establish one mandatory aquarium flow, substrate or plant species. The fish can adapt to different conditions provided water quality remains good.

Hobby references also use names such as blue acara and acara azul; trade labels alone do not reliably identify captive colour lines. The native range and broad habitat description do not support claiming one fixed biotope for every aquarium fish. Translate the habitat description into a stable, well-maintained aquarium with cover, open swimming room and secure furnishings. Do not use an isolated field measurement as an aquarium target. The ranges below come from an aquarium-focused species profile and are more useful for care than a measurement from one natural site.

Aquarium and layout

Seriously Fish says a base of 120 × 30 cm is just about sufficient for a pair. The profile does not specify tank depth and therefore does not provide a reliable minimum volume in litres. We do not infer one. More floor space is prudent in a community because a breeding pair may defend a large area. A larger footprint also helps tankmates move out of view of one another.

Soft sand and driftwood suit the maintenance guidance. The fish digs actively, so rooted plants may be uprooted. Floating plants provide shade, while plants such as Anubias or Java fern have a better chance when attached to wood or rock. Use efficient biological filtration and a consistent maintenance routine: this species can react poorly to deteriorating water quality. Secure heavy décor and leave open swimming space.

Water conditions

The aquarium ranges in Seriously Fish are 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–8.0 and GH 5–25 °dGH. Choose a stable value that suits the available water and the rest of the stock; these broad limits are not a reason to move rapidly between values. FishBase lists the same pH range, but its displayed temperature is field data and is not used here as a separate aquarium recommendation.

The sources checked do not establish a reliable species-specific KH range, so none is supplied. Mature the aquarium biologically before adding fish, keep ammonia and nitrite undetectable and avoid abrupt changes. Regular water changes and a well-maintained biological filter matter more than chasing one exact number.

Behaviour and group size

Compared with many cichlids, the blue acara is described as relatively peaceful. That does not make every pairing safe. Adults can swallow small fish, and a breeding pair may drive other inhabitants away from its territory or injure them. The species profile mentions medium-sized characins, Corydoras and loricariids as possible groups, but that is not approval for every species or aquarium.

Assess companions by adult size, behaviour, swimming zone and available floor space. Shared temperature or pH alone does not prove safety. No individual pairings are recommended here until the companion species profiles have also been checked. Once a pair forms, watch the whole aquarium closely and ensure other fish can retreat or be separated if necessary.

Feeding

The blue acara is mainly carnivorous. The specialist profile lists bloodworms, brine shrimp, small portions of mussel or prawn and earthworms; most dried foods are also accepted. Rotate appropriate complete aquarium foods with suitable frozen or other supplementary foods. Offer portions the fish can take and remove leftovers to protect water quality.

A manufacturer feeding guide names carnivorous cichlid food and lists the former name Aequidens pulcher as an example. This review has not yet confirmed an exact central product, suitable pellet size and current offer. No product card is therefore shown; a commercial match remains an internal verification item, because a product name alone is not sufficient evidence.

Breeding

Blue acara lay eggs on a firm surface. A pair may clean a flat stone, broad leaf or excavated pit for spawning. Seriously Fish reports clutches of up to about 200 eggs. They usually hatch after roughly 48–72 hours, and fry become free swimming about three days later. Both parents generally guard the brood for around two weeks. These are sourced approximations, not guaranteed timing for every aquarium.

A pair may form from a group of juveniles, but the source advises removing the other fish once a pair has formed unless the aquarium is very large. Plan for enough space and a way to rehome or separate the remaining fish. Fry need very small foods; the specialist profile mentions microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii. Air-driven filtration around free-swimming fry helps reduce the risk of being drawn into a strong filter intake.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on 17 October 2026.

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