Blue Acara

Blue Acara key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

8-10 years

Size

15-16cm

Temperature

22〜28℃

Diet

Frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, chopped mussel and prawn, prepared foods

Tank

Base dimensions of about 120 x 30cm are just about sufficient for a pair. Provide flat stones or wood as spawning sites.

Water Temperature & Quality

22-28C, pH 6.5-8.0, 5-25 dGH.

Tank Mates

Peaceful for a cichlid of this size. Medium-sized characins, Corydoras and loricariids make good companions.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly carnivorous. Offer frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and chopped mussel or prawn alongside dried foods.

Breeding & Spawning

An easily bred substrate spawner. Eggs hatch in 48-72 hours, fry swim free about 72 hours later, and parental care lasts roughly two weeks.

Health & Notes

It becomes temporarily aggressive while defending a spawning territory. In a community tank, provide plenty of refuges.

About Blue Acara

Blue Acara care guide: a calm, mid-sized South American cichlid with striking blue-green spangles, reaching 15-16 cm as an adult. An easy-to-breed, beginner-friendly cichlid.

7 things to know before welcoming a Blue Acara

1. 1Tank Size Guidelines

   Adults reach around 15 to 16 cm, so even for a single fish it's best to use a tank of roughly 90 cm or larger. Plenty of swimming space lets a Blue Acara display its naturally relaxed, confident swimming style.

2. 2Temperament and Tankmates

   Blue Acaras are relatively calm for a cichlid of their size, but pairs become more territorial during breeding. When keeping them with other fish, add hiding spots and visual barriers so tankmates have somewhere to retreat.

3. 3Water Quality and Temperature

   They prefer stable, slightly acidic to neutral water and dislike sudden pH swings. Keep up with filtration and regular water changes, and maintain a temperature suited to tropical fish.

4. 4Substrate and Décor

   Flat stones or driftwood provide spawning sites and territory markers, which tends to keep the fish calmer. Since they like to dig, a fine substrate holds up better against rearranging.

5. 5Easy to Breed

   Once a pair forms, they typically spawn on a flat surface and both parents guard and care for the fry until they're free-swimming. Watching this cichlid-style parental care is one of the species' distinct appeals.

6. 6Feeding Basics

   A base diet of quality pellets, supplemented with frozen or live food, keeps them well balanced. They tend to eat eagerly, so avoid overfeeding to keep water quality in check.

7. 7Before You Bring One Home

   Set up the tank, filtration, and overall environment in advance, keeping the adult size and temperament in mind. Choose calm tankmates to help keep the aquarium peaceful.

Frequently asked questions about Blue Acara

Q.Is the Blue Acara suitable for beginners?

A.With its calm temperament and hardiness, it's considered one of the more beginner-friendly cichlids. That said, plan for its adult size and keep up with basic water quality management.

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.Yes, it can be housed with other calm fish of a similar size. Pairs become more territorial during breeding, so provide hiding spots and monitor how tankmates get along.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.Adults typically reach around 15 to 16 cm in length. It's best to plan for a roomy tank in advance to accommodate this growth.

Q.Does it dig in the substrate?

A.Yes, Blue Acaras have a natural digging habit. Since this can disturb tank décor, a finer substrate or heavier layout materials tend to hold up better.

Q.Can it be bred at home?

A.It's a relatively easy species to breed — once a pair forms, they typically spawn on a flat surface and both parents care for the fry. If you're aiming to breed them, provide flat stones or driftwood as spawning sites.

Useful tools for Blue Acara care

Learn more about Blue Acara in the encyclopedia

Blue Acara related articles

More in this category