Species profile
Electric Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
250 L minimum aquarium
12–16 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Selectively bred electric-blue colour form of the Blue Acara; generally manageable but becomes territorial when breeding.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–27 °C
pH
6.5–7.8
GH
Up to 25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
2.8
Usually less combative than many similarly sized cichlids, but pairs defend a spawning site and may dig around it.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
250 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Andinoacara pulcher
Alternative names
Electric Blue Acara, Electric Blue Blue Acara
Native range
Captive-selected colour form; wild ancestry is Andinoacara pulcher from northern South America and Trinidad.
Natural habitat
Care follows A. pulcher: structurally complex freshwater habitats with cover, open substrate and moderate current.
Diet & feeding
Generalist cichlid omnivore; use quality pellets/granules with varied frozen/live foods and some plant material.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males tend to be larger with more extended dorsal/anal fins; females are usually smaller and rounder when gravid.
Breeding
Biparental substrate spawner, commonly using a flat rock, broad leaf or excavated open site.