Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher var.) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Semi-Aggressive Easy

Electric Blue Acara

Andinoacara pulcher var.

Minimum Tank

30 Gallons

Adult Size

6 inches

Temperature

72-82°F (22-28°C)

pH Range

6.5-8.0

Lifespan

10 years

About Electric Blue Acara

The electric blue acara is a stunningly colored cichlid believed to be a selectively bred variant of the blue acara, originally from the rivers of Central and South America. Its entire body is covered in a brilliant, metallic electric blue that makes it one of the most visually striking freshwater fish available. Unlike many cichlids of similar size, electric blue acaras are remarkably peaceful for their family, earning them the reputation as the ideal cichlid for community tanks. They are intelligent fish that quickly learn to recognize their keepers and will approach the glass at feeding time. Their manageable size, gorgeous coloring, and gentle temperament have made them enormously popular in recent years.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

  • • Minimum 30-gallon tank required
  • • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
  • • pH: 6.5 - 8.0
  • • Category: Cichlid

Diet & Feeding

  • • Diet type: Omnivore
  • • Feed 1-2 times daily
  • • Varied diet recommended

Tank Mate Compatibility

Compatible With

🐟 Medium Community Fish
🐟 Larger Tetras
🐟 Corydoras

Avoid Keeping With

⚠️
Very Small Fish Not compatible
⚠️
Long Finned Fish Not compatible

Care Tips

Expert Tips

Electric blue acaras are one of the most community-friendly cichlids, coexisting peacefully with most fish too large to eat. Keep them in a tank of at least 30 gallons with sand substrate for their natural sifting and digging behavior. They prefer neutral to slightly acidic water at 72-82°F. Provide rocks and driftwood for territory markers and hiding spots. Feed quality cichlid pellets supplemented with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and krill. They may eat very small fish and shrimp, so choose tankmates of appropriate size. Pairs form strong bonds and are relatively easy to breed. Maintain good water quality, as their vivid blue coloring can fade with poor conditions.

Quick Facts

114L

Min Tank (30gal)

15cm

Adult Size (6")

10yr

Lifespan

1+

Can Keep Solo

Build Your Perfect Community Tank

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size tank does a Electric Blue Acara need?

A Electric Blue Acara needs a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (114 litres).

What water parameters does a Electric Blue Acara need?

Electric Blue Acara thrive in water between 72-82°F (22-28°C) with a pH of 6.5-8.0.

Are Electric Blue Acara easy to care for?

Electric Blue Acara are considered easy to care for. They are semi-aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 10 years.

How big do Electric Blue Acara get and what do they eat?

Electric Blue Acara reach about 6 inches and are omnivores. Electric blue acaras are one of the most community-friendly cichlids, coexisting peacefully with most fish too large to eat. Keep them in a tank of at least 30 gallons with sand substrate for their natural sifting and digging behavior. They prefer neutral to slightly acidic water at 72-82°F. Provide rocks and driftwood for territory markers and hiding spots. Feed quality cichlid pellets supplemented with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and krill. They may eat very small fish and shrimp, so choose tankmates of appropriate size. Pairs form strong bonds and are relatively easy to breed. Maintain good water quality, as their vivid blue coloring can fade with poor conditions.