A striking, medium-sized South American cichlid known for its broad forehead and platinum-blue iridescence. Often confused with the standard Blue Acara in the aquarium trade. They are relatively peaceful for cichlids but become aggressively territorial when forming pairs and spawning. They are open-substrate spawners that appreciate sandy bottoms and driftwood.
Platinum Acara At a Glance
Platinum Acara Tank Requirements
Will Platinum Acara fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Platinum Acara needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Platinum Acara against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Platinum Acara Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Platinum Acara Temperament & Compatibility
Platinum Acara Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
Typical commercial availability (often sold unsexed). While generally docile in a large community of similarly sized fish, they will eat small tankmates like neon tetras. Best kept singly or as a mated pair.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult, Standard
Male
Males grow larger, possess a noticeably broader forehead (slight nuchal hump), and develop longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins. They act as the primary perimeter guard during breeding.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male
Female
Females are notably smaller and generally have a less pronounced forehead and shorter finnage. They are fiercely protective over their eggs but slightly less aggressive day-to-day.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female
Platinum Acara Care Guide Summary
The Platinum Acara, scientifically known as Andinoacara latifrons, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 17 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 Platinum Acara requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Platinum Acara is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Unsexed, Male, 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.
Platinum Acara Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Platinum 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.
Platinum Acara Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Platinum Acara 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 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.
Platinum Acara Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Platinum Acara.
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 9 more tank sizes
Platinum Acara Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Platinum Acara 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.
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About Platinum Acara
How big does Platinum Acara get?
Platinum Acara (Andinoacara latifrons) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 17 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Platinum Acara need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Platinum Acara. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Platinum Acara need?
Platinum Acara thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Platinum Acara peaceful or aggressive?
Platinum 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 Platinum Acara live alone?
Yes, Platinum Acara can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Platinum Acara safe with shrimp?
No. Platinum Acara 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 Platinum Acara have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Platinum Acara benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Platinum Acara
These plants pair well with Platinum 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
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to Platinum Acara
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).
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.
Pastel Cichlid
Cribroheros alfari
A strikingly beautiful Central American cichlid known for its pastel yellow, pink, and blue iridescent coloration. It is a substrate-sifting species that loves to dig in sand. Like many Central American cichlids, it can be highly territorial and aggressive, especially during breeding. Requires robust filtration and spacious quarters.
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.
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.