Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 16 cm. It needs at least 180 litres and 2 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Water Temperature
22 - 28 °C
pH Value
6.5 - 8
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Bottom and middle
Adult size
16 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 180 L
Minimum group
>= 2
GH
4 - 15 dGH
KH
2 - 7 dKH
TDS
80 - 295 ppm
Conductivity
125 - 461 uS/cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Andinoacara pulcher; the verified classification records genus Andinoacara, family Cichlidae, subfamily Cichlasomatinae, order Cichliformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Blue Acara should be kept as a compatible pair. The minimum reference is 2 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Aquarium Setup: Blue Acara needs an aquarium of at least 180 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 2 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–8. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is a species to combine with caution, with a generally semi-aggressive temperament. Keep at least 2 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Use a secure cover and close escape gaps. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Geographic origin and distribution
A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origin
Extra-Amazon South America
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Blue Acara has a generally semi-aggressive temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- As opportunistic omnivores, Blue Acaras require a balanced diet consisting of both meaty foods and vegetable matter. High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes should serve as the staple diet, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and Mysis shrimp. They will also appreciate occasional offerings of earthworms or blanched vegetables like spinach. Providing a varied menu ensures they maintain vibrant coloration and good health.
- Life expectancy
- 7-10 years
- Adult size
- 16 cm
- Sex ratio
- Pair
- Blue Acara should be kept as a compatible pair. The reference minimum is 2 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- It is recommended to feed adult Blue Acaras one or two times a day, offering only what they can consume within two to three minutes. Overfeeding should be strictly avoided as it leads to poor water quality and digestive issues. Juvenile fish are growing rapidly and benefit from smaller, more frequent meals, about three times daily. Fasting them for one day a week can also help regulate their digestive systems.
- Bioload
- Medium
- The Blue Acara produces a moderate to high amount of biological waste due to its size and high-protein diet. An efficient filtration system, preferably a canister or strong hang-on-back filter, is essential to maintain low nitrate levels. Regular weekly water changes of 25% to 30% are highly recommended to prevent the buildup of toxins. Keeping the substrate clean is also vital since these fish frequently dig and stir up debris.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- In their natural habitat, Blue Acaras are found in a variety of water flows, from still lakes to moderate river currents. In the aquarium, they prefer a gentle to moderate water flow that mimics their natural river basins. Strong currents should be avoided as they can exhaust the fish and make swimming difficult. Using spray bars or filter deflectors can help distribute the current evenly.
- Jump risk
- Yes
- Although not notorious jumpers like surface-dwelling species, Blue Acaras are active, powerful fish that can easily leap out of the tank when startled or during mating chases. A tight-fitting lid or canopy is highly recommended to secure the aquarium. Ensuring there are plenty of hiding spaces like caves and driftwood will also reduce stress and lower the likelihood of jumping. Floating plants can provide additional security and cover.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding the Blue Acara is relatively easy and frequently occurs in captivity. They are open substrate spawners that typically choose a flat rock, slate, or broad leaf to deposit their eggs. Both parents exhibit exemplary parental care, guarding the eggs and aggressively defending the fry. The eggs hatch in about 2 to 3 days, and the parents will move the fry to pre-dug pits until they are free-swimming.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- With caution
- The cohabitation profile is a species to combine with caution, with a generally semi-aggressive temperament. Keep at least 2 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Tank level
- Middle/Bottom
- This species is primarily benthopelagic, meaning it spends most of its time in the middle and bottom layers of the aquarium. They enjoy exploring sandy substrates and searching for food near the tank floor. Providing caves, driftwood, and low-lying vegetation helps them feel secure in their preferred swimming zone. They will occasionally swim to the upper levels, especially during feeding times.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
FishBase v25.04Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 3.3 ± 0.4 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5039
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.03311, b = 3.07
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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