Blue Acara Cichlid

Blue Acara

Aequidens pulcher

The Blue Acara is another beautifully marked cichlid.  Its body is mottled brown with many electric blue colored spots.  These blue spots form lines on the mouth.  The males of this species have longer pointed dorsal and anal fins, which are outlined in red.  These are an easy to breed fish that do great in a community aquarium with other fish of similar size.

Blue Acaras prefer a tank with a sandy bottom, lots of rocks and plenty of hiding places.  Live plants should be planted in pots or surround the roots with heavier stones to prevent redecorating and to protect the roots from these fish.  The Blue Acara is generally peaceful with other fish of similar size, but can get territorial during breeding time.

The Blue Acara is an open-breeder and will accept a range of water conditions.  To promote breeding, raise aquarium temperature to 80-85°F.  The Blue Acara will readily pair off with mates and form small families and both the male and female will care for the young.  The females will lay her eggs on a cleaned rock.  They will spawn about every two weeks if the young are removed from the aquarium.  The Blue Acara is omnivorous and will eat most prepared and frozen foods, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and ocean plankton, as well as flake food and Cichlid pellets.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 2"