Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: With Caution

General Description: The Electric Blue Acara is a hybrid fish of the standard Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher), but the theory behind how this fish became to be remains uncertain. A relatively hardy and adaptable species, the Electric blue acara makes an excellent addition into aquariums of new and seasoned hobbyists alike. As their name suggests, the Electric blue acara has a brilliant light blue color that contrasts with an orange-tipped dorsal fin. Unless a pair of Electric blue acara are breeding, they are a rather peaceful cichlid; sexual dimorphism between males and females is not obvious. Electric blue acara can be kept by themselves or in small groups, but adding all individuals at once is advised. An adult Electric blue acara can reach a size of approximately 7″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Electric blue acara are carnivores. A diet made up of various high quality protein based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, chunks of mussel or shrimp, and other mixed freshwater preparations. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for an Electric blue acara. A larger group will require more space, and the tank should be upgraded accordingly as the fish grow. A good biological filtration system is need for this species as they cannot withstand deteriorating water parameters. Electric blue acara are also intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard for Electric blue acaras (Nitrates < 30 ppm). If maintenance is neglected, your acara becomes more susceptible to head and lateral line erosion, stunted growth, and other deformities. A sandy or fine substrate is preferred, and the aquarium should be aquascaped mostly with driftwood or similar natural furnishings. While Electric blue acaras would unlikely consume live plants deliberately, their natural digging behaviors could uproot them and that is why they are listed to be added in a live planted aquarium “with caution.” Electric blue acara are compatible with a variety of medium-sized community fish, so long as tank mates thrive in similar tank conditions and water parameters. Do not mix acaras with overly aggressive or pugnacious Central or South American species. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 5-25, pH 6.5-8.0.

Purchase Size: Small: 1” to 1-1/2”; Medium: 1-1/2” to 2”; Large: 2-1/4” to 3”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.