From Aqua Guide, the free encyclopedia
Electric Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5 – 8
- Min. tank size
- 200 L
- Lifespan
- 8-10 years
- Diet
- carnivore
- Care level
- moderate
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Andinoacara pulcher |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Origin: | South America (line-bred from the Blue Acara of Central/South America) |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | moderate |
| Diet: | carnivore |
| Max Size: | 15.00 cm |
| Water Type: | freshwater |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Group: | 2+ together |
| Varieties: | The electric blue is itself the variety, and understanding what it is explains most of the practical points on this page. Andinoacara pulcher, the blue acara, is the wild species: a grey-green cichlid with iridescent blue-green spangling. The electric blue is a line-bred strain in which that iridescence has been concentrated into a near-uniform metallic blue. It is a recessive trait, so two electric blues breed true. The cost of that selection is the usual one. Captive-bred blue acaras are already described as pale imitations of wild-caught fish due to reduced genetic diversity, and some available fish are known to be hybrids with related species. The electric blue line sits at the end of that process, and it is generally slower-growing and less robust than the wild form. Long-finned electric blues appear occasionally and combine two selections in one fish. Taxonomy is unsettled around the genus, and fish sold as blue acaras may be A. pulcher, A. latifrons or A. coeruleopunctatus — closely related species that are difficult to tell apart and that hybridise. If you want a robust fish, the wild-type blue acara is the better buy. If you want the colour, buy from a breeder who can tell you about the line. |
| Lifespan: | 8-10 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:Medium to high
- Min Tank:200 L
- Substrate:Sand; driftwood, rocks and caves; sturdy planting
- Plant Safe:Plant-safe (may dig near spawning sites)
- Filtration:High
Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae. It is native to South America (line-bred from the Blue Acara of Central/South America). The electric blue acara is a line-bred colour form of the blue acara, Andinoacara pulcher — a fish specialists call a wonderful beginner's cichlid. The wild form reaches 150 mm standard length and is a handsome grey-green fish patterned with iridescent blue-green spangling across the face and flanks. The electric blue strain concentrates that into an almost uniform metallic blue over the whole body. It is peaceful for a cichlid of this size and can be combined with anything too large to swallow, which is a rare combination of attributes in a fish this striking. It is also one of the easiest substrate-spawning cichlids to breed, with both parents caring for the brood. One qualification runs through this page. Captive-bred blue acaras are described as pale imitations of wild-caught fish because of reduced genetic diversity, and some in the trade are known hybrids with related species. A line-bred colour morph sits at the far end of that process.
Compatibility
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Keep in
- Groups of 2+
- Swims
- middle
- Fin nipper
- No
- Delicate fins
- No
Species similar to Electric Blue Acara
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