Electric Blue Acara Care Guide

The Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) is a colorful South American cichlid known for its brilliant metallic blue coloration, manageable size, and relatively peaceful temperament. These qualities have made it one of the most popular cichlids for community aquariums.

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher

Common Name: Electric Blue Acara

Adult Size: 6–8 inches

Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

Lifespan: 8–10 years

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

Temperature: 75–82°F

pH: 6.5–7.5

Diet: Omnivore

Aquarium Setup

Electric Blue Acaras thrive in aquariums with open swimming space, driftwood, rocks, and moderate filtration. A sand or fine gravel substrate works well and allows natural behavior.

Regular water changes help maintain health and enhance coloration.

Tank Mates

Suitable tank mates include:

Corydoras Catfish
Larger Tetras
Rainbowfish
Gourami
Severum
Peaceful South American Cichlids
Larger Barbs

Avoid keeping them with very small fish that may be viewed as food or highly aggressive cichlids that may bully them.

Feeding

Electric Blue Acaras readily accept:

Quality cichlid pellets
Flake foods
Frozen foods
Bloodworms
Brine shrimp
Live foods

A varied diet helps maintain vibrant coloration and strong growth.

Breeding

Electric Blue Acaras are substrate spawners that lay eggs on flat rocks, driftwood, or other smooth surfaces. Both parents typically guard the eggs and fry.

Why Hobbyists Love Electric Blue Acara

Electric Blue Acaras combine stunning coloration, manageable adult size, and a temperament that is generally more peaceful than many other cichlid species. They make excellent centerpiece fish for freshwater community aquariums and are suitable for both beginner and experienced fishkeepers.

Related Resources

Electric Blue Acara: Care, Tank Mates, Size, and Diet
Electric Blue Acara Product Listing