AquaSage
Species library

Blue Acara

Andinoacara pulcher

Cichlidae

FishDifficulty: ●●○○○Data: well-established

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 (114)

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Avoid (7)

Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.

Sources