Blue Acara
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Blue Acara, an excellent choice for beginning cichlid keepers and breeders. Aaron Norman
Overview
The Blue Acara is a lovely fish, generally peaceful, that takes on spectacular colors when mature and in breeding form. This is a wonderful beginner’s cichlid.
Family: Cichlidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
- Northern South America
- Venezuela
- Trinidad
- Orinoco River
Habitat: The Blue Acara prefers an aquarium with a dark gravel substrate, and several rocks and driftwood to provide hiding places and for spawning.
Maximum length: 20 cm (8 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 150 L (40 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 26 °C (79 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom to midwater.
Feeding
Carnivore. Like the Convict Cichlid, the Blue Acara will accept just about any food item that comes its way. Feed a varied diet of any of the commercial cichlid pelleted or flake foods, as well as freeze-dried, frozen and live foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and krill.
Aquarium Compatibility
Territorial—acquire one male to several females. Definite sexual dimorphism: males are substantially larger and have longer fins.
Breeding/Propagation
Typical of many cichlids, they are bi-parental substrate spawners that lay adhesive eggs primarily on rocks. Pairs form monogamous bonds. Females are slightly rounder.
Notes
Does best with a regimen of regular water changes.