Electric Blue Acara

Overview

• Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher
• Common Names: Electric Blue Acara, Blue Acara
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Originally from rivers and lakes in Central and South America, including Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. The electric blue morph is bred in captivity and is not found in the wild.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Typically grows to about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in length.
• Coloration:
  • A dazzling, metallic electric blue body, with hints of silver or green.
  • Fins are often edged with yellow or orange hues, adding to their appeal.
  • Some specimens may have faint black markings along the body, but the electric blue shine is the defining characteristic.
• Body Shape: Stocky and deep-bodied with long flowing dorsal and anal fins, which are especially vibrant in males.

Behavior

• Temperament: Relatively peaceful for a cichlid, making them suitable for community tanks with other semi-aggressive fish. They are not as aggressive as many other cichlids but may show territorial behavior, especially during breeding.
• Activity Level: Electric Blue Acaras are active swimmers and will often explore their surroundings. They spend a lot of time in the middle and bottom areas of the tank.
• Sociability: They can be kept singly, in pairs, or in a group with other fish. When paired, they can show some territorial aggression, especially when spawning.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons for a single Electric Blue Acara. For pairs or community setups, a 50- to 55-gallon tank is recommended.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
  • pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral is preferred).
  • Water Hardness: 6 to 20 dGH
• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand works well. Electric Blue Acaras enjoy digging in the substrate, so avoid sharp materials that could injure them.
• Tank Setup:
  • Decorations: Include rocks, driftwood, and caves to mimic their natural environment and provide hiding spots.
  • Plants: They generally do well with live plants, although they may occasionally dig around them. Hardy plants like Anubias, Java fern, or Vallisneria are good choices.
  • Filtration: A good filtration system is necessary to maintain clean water, as Acaras can be messy eaters. Moderate water flow is ideal, but avoid strong currents.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is ideal. Their colors will appear even more vibrant under good-quality aquarium lighting.

Diet

• Feeding: Electric Blue Acaras are omnivores and require a varied diet to maintain their health and coloration. They will readily accept:
  • High-quality pellets or flakes formulated for cichlids.
  • Frozen or live foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms, and daphnia are excellent protein sources.
  • Vegetable matter: Occasionally offer blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas to supplement their diet.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day with small amounts that they can consume within a few minutes. A varied diet helps enhance their brilliant blue coloration.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Electric Blue Acaras are egg layers and can breed readily in captivity. They form monogamous pairs and will aggressively guard their eggs and fry.
• Spawning Conditions: To encourage breeding, slightly raise the water temperature to around 78°F to 82°F (26°C to 28°C). The pair will choose a flat surface, such as a rock or piece of slate, to lay their eggs.
• Parental Care: Both parents will protect the eggs and fry. The eggs hatch within 2 to 3 days, and the fry are free-swimming in about a week.
• Fry Care: The fry can be fed baby brine shrimp or powdered fry food until they are large enough to accept more substantial foods.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Electric Blue Acaras are generally peaceful and can be housed with other semi-aggressive fish, such as:
  • Other medium-sized cichlids (such as Firemouths, Keyhole Cichlids)
  • Catfish species like Corydoras or Plecos
  • Barbs (like Tiger Barbs) and larger Tetras
  • Angelfish
• Avoid Small or Delicate Fish: Avoid keeping them with very small fish like Neon Tetras, as they may be seen as food. Also, extremely peaceful species might become stressed by their occasional territorial behavior.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Electric Blue Acaras can live for 7 to 10 years in a well-maintained aquarium.

Care Requirements

• Water Quality: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are necessary to keep ammonia and nitrate levels low. Maintaining stable water parameters is essential for their long-term health.
• Disease Prevention: Electric Blue Acaras are hardy but can be susceptible to common aquarium diseases like ich if water conditions are poor or if they are stressed. Quarantining new fish and maintaining good tank hygiene can help prevent disease outbreaks.

Interesting Facts

1. Color Variation: The Electric Blue Acara is a selectively bred morph of the regular Blue Acara, chosen for its striking, iridescent blue coloration.
2. Parental Care: Both parents take turns guarding the eggs and fry, a trait common in cichlid species, making them excellent parents.
3. Relatively Docile: Unlike many other cichlid species, the Electric Blue Acara is considered one of the more peaceful members of its family, making it a good option for community tanks.