Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
Cichlidae
About
The blue acara is a hardy, robustly built cichlid from the streams and still waters of Trinidad, Venezuela and northern South America. Renowned as one of the easiest larger cichlids for beginners, it is comparatively peaceful for its size but forms strong pairs and becomes territorial when breeding. An enthusiastic digger, it constantly sifts sand and will readily uproot loosely planted vegetation.
Care
Keep as a bonded pair in 150 L or more over soft sand with well-anchored or epiphytic plants. Very adaptable to soft or hard water; give tankmates space and avoid fish small enough to be eaten.
Diet
Omnivore leaning carnivorous that sifts the substrate for invertebrates; feed cichlid pellets and flakes plus frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, chopped mussel and earthworm.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (229)
Avoid (42)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- Extended finsStrong · from about 8 months, and later in a suppressed male
On many cichlids and killifish the male's dorsal and anal fins draw out into trailing points as he matures, while the female's stay rounded.
- VentingA hint only · only on a mature fish, easiest when she is in breeding condition
The method breeders use when the answer has to be right. Hold the fish upside down in a wet hand or soft net and look at the two openings ahead of the anal fin. The forward one is the anus; the one behind it is what you are reading.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Blue Acara need?
- A Blue Acara needs an aquarium of at least 150 litres (39.6 US gallons) with a footprint at least 120 cm (47.2 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Blue Acara need?
- Blue Acara does best at 22–28 °C (71.6–82.4 °F), pH 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 5–25 °dGH.
- Is the Blue Acara suitable for beginners?
- Yes — Blue Acara is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.