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.
Blue Point Cichlid At a Glance
Blue Point Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Blue Point Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Blue Point Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Blue Point Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Blue Point Cichlid Water Parameters
Water care products
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Blue Point Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Blue Point Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Standard)
Males are larger, more vibrantly colored, and may develop a nuchal hump (head bump) as they mature and assert dominance. They are fiercely intolerant of other males of the same species.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Male Blue Point, Bull Male
Female
Females are slightly smaller, have less pronounced fin extensions, and lack the nuchal hump. They are generally less aggressive than males, though still fiercely territorial when paired and guarding eggs.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Blue Point
Blue Point Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Blue Point Cichlid, scientifically known as Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 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 Point Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.8 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Blue Point Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male (Standard) and Female. 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 Point Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Blue Point Cichlid, a low 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, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Blue Point Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Blue Point Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, 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 Point Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Blue Point Cichlid.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
Blue Point Cichlid Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Blue Point Cichlid will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Point Cichlid
How big does Blue Point Cichlid get?
Blue Point Cichlid (Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Blue Point Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Blue Point Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Blue Point Cichlid need?
Blue Point Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.8, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Blue Point Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Blue Point Cichlid 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 Point Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Blue Point Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Blue Point Cichlid safe with shrimp?
No. Blue Point Cichlid is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Blue Point Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Blue Point Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Blue Point Cichlid
These plants pair well with Blue Point Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Blue Point Cichlid
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.
Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
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).
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.
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
The Texas Cichlid is the only cichlid species native to the United States. Known for their striking pearlescent blue/green spots and extreme territorial behavior, they require large tanks and robust filtration. They are notorious for rearranging aquariums, digging massive pits, and destroying live plants.
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.
Blue Sifter
Cribroheros robertsoni
A stunning Central American cichlid known for its iridescent turquoise speckling and unique earth-eating behavior. It constantly sifts substrate through its gills to forage, making soft sand absolutely mandatory to prevent gill damage. While mildly tempered compared to many Central American cichlids, it becomes highly territorial when breeding.