The Blue Acara Fish (Andinoacara pulcher), also known as the Electric Blue Acara, is a freshwater fish native to northern South America, known for its blue coloration and active behavior. Belonging to the cichlid family, this fish is a popular choice among aquarists due to its beauty, relatively easy care, and fascinating reproductive behavior.
In its natural habitat, blue acaras are captured for the local population’s consumption. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the behavior, care requirements, breeding techniques, and maintenance tips to ensure your blue acara fish thrive in their aquarium.
Taxonomy of the Blue Acara Fish
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Andinoacara
Species: Andinoacara pulcher (GILL, 1858), synonym: Aequidens pulcher, Cychlasoma pulchrum.
Common Names: Blue Acara, Electric Blue Acara, Flag Cichlid, Cocobolo (Colombia), Mojarra azul (Colombia), Viejita (Venezuela), Mochoroca (Trinidad and Tobago)
Initially, the widely accepted scientific name for the blue acara was Aequidens pulcher; however, based on phylogenetic studies, Musilová et al., (2009) proposed the creation of the genus Andinoacara, where the blue acara fish was included with the scientific name Andinoacara pulcher.
Characteristics of the Blue Acara Fish
- Size: It reaches an average size of 10 to 12 cm, with a maximum of 16 cm. Some specialists have reported captive-bred blue acara specimens up to 20 cm, although this is not common.
- Coloration: Light blue to dark blue with 5 to 8 vertical black stripes. Males have more intense coloration. However, it’s important to note that in shoals of blue acara fish, the dominant male exhibits an olive coloration, and the flanks range from yellowish-brown to gray, crossed by eight dark vertical bars.
- Shape: Robust and oval body, with a large head and a prominent, protrusible mouth.
- Fins: Long and pointed pectoral and ventral fins. Dorsal fin with a black spot on the back. It is characterized by having three spines in the anal fin and the absence of the lobe in the first gill arch.
- Lifespan: Approximately 5 to 7 years.
Origin and Distribution of the Blue Acara Fish
The Blue Acara is native to Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. It inhabits freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes with dense vegetation and sand or gravel substrate.
Currently, the introduction of blue acaras into natural water bodies has been reported in Australia and Indonesia.
Blue Acara Care
Tank Size and Water Quality Parameters
A tank of at least 100 liters is recommended for a pair of Blue Acara fish. It’s important to provide enough space for swimming and hiding, as this species can be territorial. Additionally, providing 12 hours of light is important as these fish exhibit a diurnal/crepuscular pattern with peaks of activity during dawn and dusk.
Table 01. Water Quality Parameter Sheet for Blue Acara Fish Care.
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Water Temperature | 24 – 28°C (72–86°F) |
| Water pH | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Hardness | 5 – 15 dGH |
| Nitrate | <50 mg/L |
| Water Renewal | 20 – 30% every fifteen days |
| Filtration | Strong |
Aquarium Decoration
- Substrate: Fine sand or gravel.
- Plants: Robust aquatic plants to provide shelter, such as Anubias and Microsorum.
- Rocks and Wood: Decorate with rocks and wood to create hiding spots and spawning areas.
Feeding and Diet
The Blue Acara is an omnivorous species. Gámez et al., (2014) reported that in its natural environment, the blue acara fish feeds on insects, plant material, fish, bivalves, snails, phytoplankton, and zooplankton; where fish represent the main food source; however, Olaya et al., (2016) stated that the Cocobolo is an omnivorous fish with a preference for plant material.
In captivity, blue acara fish can be fed a varied diet of commercial cichlid foods, supplemented with live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. It is recommended to provide one or two feedings per day. Siva et al., (2024) found that electric blue acara juveniles fed with Artemia had the best growth performance, followed by blue acara fish fed with a homemade diet (36.59% protein, 9.43% lipids) prepared by researchers, achieving growth rates of 1.46% and 1.15%, respectively.
Behavior and Compatibility with Other Fish
Blue acara fish exhibit peaceful behavior, making them suitable for community tanks with non-aggressive species of similar size. However, these fish can display territorial behavior, especially during the breeding season.
In their natural environment, blue acara fish may prey on a wide variety of fish (Deacon et al., 2018); therefore, you should carefully select tankmates that are compatible with the blue acara fish. Avoid aggressive or overly territorial species that may intimidate or harass them. Suitable tankmates include peaceful community fish such as rasboras, angelfish, and Corydoras catfish.
Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid breeding blue acara cichlids with guppies in the same aquarium, as the blue acara may exhibit predatory behavior (Szopa-Comley, 2021). Interestingly, scientists have used the blue acara (predator) and the guppy (prey) to study fish predation behavior.
Reproduction
Sexual Differences
Male blue acara fish are larger and more colorful than females, with their blue coloration accentuated during the breeding season. Additionally, males have a red spot on their throat and a more pointed dorsal fin.
Olaya et al., (2012) estimated that the size at first maturity in the Cocobolo is 9.5 cm TL for both sexes; they also indicated that it is a species with partial spawns, with the diameter of the oocytes ranging from 1,352 to 1,605 μ and fecundity estimated at 954 oocytes.
Preparation of the Breeding Aquarium
Under suitable conditions, the blue acara fish can breed throughout the year. A tank of at least 40 liters is recommended for breeding; the water temperature should be 28°C and pH 6.5. The breeding tank should have similar decorations to the main aquarium, with plants and hiding spots. These fish have external fertilization; therefore, a flat stone or pot should be provided for the female to deposit her eggs and the male to fertilize them.
Mating Behavior and Egg Laying
The male courts the female with vibrating movements of its fins. The female will lay the eggs on the stone or pot, and both parents will care for them until they hatch. The eggs hatch in 2 to 5 days; the parents continue to care for the fry for several weeks; and in case of danger, the male blue acara protects its offspring by taking them into its mouth.
Care of Larvae and Fry
Blue acara fish larvae will hatch after 2-3 days. The parents will protect the larvae and fry until they are large enough to fend for themselves. Larvae and fry should be fed live foods such as Artemia and rotifers.
Blue Acara vs. Electric Blue Acara
A common question among aquarium enthusiasts is whether the Blue Acara and the Electric Blue Acara are the same. Regarding this, I must indicate that the Electric Blue Acara is a color variety of the Blue Acara. The main difference is its more intense, almost electric blue coloration. As for care and requirements, both varieties are very similar.
On the other hand, Nirchio et al., (2020) report that aquarium specialists often cross the Blue Acara with the “green terror” fish (Andinoacara rivulatus) to obtain hybrids with the size and color of A. pulcher. Hybrid fish tend to be more resistant to adverse environmental conditions.
Common Diseases and Treatment of Blue Acara
Blue acaras are generally hardy fish, but like other ornamental fish species, they can be susceptible to common freshwater diseases such as ich, fin rot, and fungal infections. Promptly addressing any signs of illness with the appropriate medication and adjustments to water parameters is crucial for successful treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, providing optimal care, breeding conditions, and maintenance practices are essential for the health of the Blue Acara in your aquarium. By understanding their behavior, addressing their specific care requirements, and creating a suitable environment, you will be able to enjoy the beauty and charm of these magnificent cichlids in the years to come.
The Blue Acara is an easy-to-care-for fish and reproduces under the right conditions. In this sense, if you are new to the world of aquarium keeping, caring for these fish will not be complicated.
References
Deacon, A. E., Jones, F. A., & Magurran, A. E. (2018). Gradients in predation risk in a tropical river system. Current Zoology, 64(2), 213-221.
Gámez Barrera, D., Morón Granados, E., & Fuentes Reines, J. (2014). Description of the feeding habits of twelve species of fishes from the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia. Boletín de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras-INVEMAR, 43(1), 23-42.
Maldonado-Ocampo, J.A.; Ortega-Lara, A.; Usma O., J.S.; Galvis V., G.; Villa-Navarro, F.A.; Vásquez G., L.; PradaPedreros, S. y Ardila R., C. 2005. Peces de los Andes de Colombia. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos «Alexander von Humboldt». Bogotá, D.C. Colombia. 346 p.
Musilová, Z., Říčan, O., & Novák, J. (2009). Phylogeny of the Neotropical cichlid fish tribe Cichlasomatini (Teleostei: Cichlidae) based on morphological and molecular data, with the description of a new genus. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research, 47(3), 234-247.
Nirchio M, Paim FG, Britzke R, Rossi AR, Milana V, Oliveira C. Molecular Analysis and Chromosome Mapping of Repetitive DNAs in the Green Terror Andinoacara rivulatus (Cichlidae: Cichlasomatini). Zebrafish. 2020 Feb;17(1):38-47. doi: 10.1089/zeb.2019.1811. PMID: 31994993.
Olaya-Nieto, C. W., Bautista-Blanco, A. L., & Pérez-Pisciotti, M. (2012). Biología reproductiva Del Cocobolo (Andinoacara Pulcher Musilová et al. 2009) (Pisces: Cichlidae) en la Ciénaga Grande de Lorica (Córdoba), Colombia. Actualidades Biológicas, 32(92), 65–73. https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.acbi.331491
Olaya-Nieto, C. W., Camargo-Herrera, L., Díaz-Sajonero, V., & Segura-Guevara, F. F. (2016). Feeding habits of Cocobolo Andinoacara pulcher in the cienaga Grande de Lorica, Colombia. Revista MVZ Córdoba, 21(1), 5189-5197.
Pauers MJ, Kuchenbecker JA, Neitz M, Neitz J. Changes in the colour of light cue circadian activity. Anim Behav. 2012 May 1;83(5):1143-1151. doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.01.035. Epub 2012 Feb 18. PMID: 22639465; PMCID: PMC3358782.
Schindler Ingo & Rico Morgenstern. 2010. Anmerkungen zur Taxonomie der Andinoacara-Arten. DCG-Informationen 41 (5): 114–124. 11 p.
Siva Santhiya R., Aiswarya M. V., Mary Mettilda Bai S., Vinoliya Josephine Mary J., Citarasu T., Uma G., & Anusha J. R. (2024). Potential Effects of Live and Nutrient-Enhanced Food on Growth Performance and Biochemical Composition of Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher). UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, 45(6), 133–142. https://doi.org/10.56557/upjoz/2024/v45i63959
Szopa-Comley, A. (2021). The effects of predator personality and cognition on predator-prey interactions (Doctoral dissertation, University of Bristol).
