A stunning and relatively peaceful South American cichlid. While they possess classic cichlid traits—such as digging and territoriality during breeding—they are generally far more tolerant of tank mates than their larger cousins (like the Green Terror). They will, however, eagerly consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras).
Blue Acara At a Glance
Blue Acara Tank Requirements
Will Blue Acara fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Blue Acara needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Blue Acara against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Blue Acara Water Parameters
Water care products
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Blue Acara Temperament & Compatibility
Blue Acara Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Wild Type
The natural form of the Blue Acara, featuring a silvery-grey to brown body with iridescent blue spangling and distinct vertical striping when stressed or breeding. Slightly more robust and aggressive than line-bred morphs.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Normal Blue Acara, Wild Type Acara
Electric Blue Acara (EBA)
An incredibly popular line-bred morph (and possible hybrid) known for its solid, brilliant metallic blue coloration. EBAs tend to stay slightly smaller and are notably more peaceful than the wild type, making them an excellent centerpiece for medium-to-large community aquariums.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: EBA, Electric Blue, Neon Blue Acara
Blue Acara Care Guide Summary
The Blue Acara, scientifically known as Andinoacara pulcher, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 16 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Blue Acara requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 114 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Blue Acara is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard / Wild Type and Electric Blue Acara (EBA). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Blue Acara Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Blue Acara, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Blue Acara Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Blue Acara is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Blue Acara Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Blue Acara.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
Blue Acara Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Blue Acara is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Acara
How big does Blue Acara get?
Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 16 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Blue Acara need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 114 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Blue Acara. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Blue Acara need?
Blue Acara thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Blue Acara peaceful or aggressive?
Blue Acara is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Blue Acara live alone?
Yes, Blue Acara can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Blue Acara have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Blue Acara benefits from sand (sifters), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Blue Acara
These plants pair well with Blue Acara based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Blue Acara
Black Acara
Cichlasoma bimaculatum
A hardy, adaptable, and robust South American cichlid. They are relatively peaceful compared to larger cichlids but become highly territorial when breeding. Known for their oval-shaped body, greyish-green coloration, and a distinct black mid-lateral spot. They naturally sift through the substrate and require sandy bottoms.
Port Acara
Cichlasoma portalegrense
The Port Acara is a hardy, medium-sized South American cichlid. Known for being relatively peaceful compared to other cichlids of its size, it makes an excellent entry-level cichlid for community tanks with appropriately sized tank mates. They display subtle but beautiful iridescent green and blue spangling. During breeding, they become territorial and will dig pits in the substrate, potentially uprooting unsecured plants.
Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
A large, incredibly colorful, and highly aggressive South American cichlid. Known for their striking metallic green/blue scales and vibrant orange or white tail margins. As their name suggests, they are highly territorial and require very careful tankmate selection, usually only coexisting with other large, robust cichlids or armored catfish in very large tanks.
Freshwater Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
The most iconic South American Cichlid, known for its distinct arrowhead shape and majestic fins. While domestic strains are hardy, they remain cichlids: they are semi-aggressive predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras). They form loose shoals as juveniles but pair off and become territorial as they mature. Height is more important than length for this species.
Blue Point Cichlid
Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus
The Blue Point Cichlid (formerly Aequidens coeruleopunctatus) is a medium-sized Central and South American cichlid closely related to the Green Terror, but notably less aggressive. They are benthopelagic omnivores with a natural tendency to sift and dig through sandy substrates. While relatively peaceful for a cichlid of its size, it remains highly territorial during breeding and dominant males are completely intolerant of rival males.
Cutteri Cichlid
Amatitlania cutteri
A stunning, robust Central American cichlid known for its striking blue eyes, vertical barring, and metallic sheen. While generally considered less aggressive than its close cousin the Convict Cichlid, it is highly territorial during breeding. They form monogamous pairs and are excellent, albeit fierce, parents that will actively dig out spawning pits.