Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Blue Acara - Aequidens pulcher

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 4/5
Sociability rating: 6/10
Area of tank: All, lower regions
Aquarium water conditions: 6-8.5, s,m,h,vh
Temperature: 18 - 24C
Feeding: Flake, pellet, live or frozen foods
Minimum tank size: 90cm
Min / Max number in tank:

Fish fact file

Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Synonyms: Acara vittata, Aequidens latifrons, Cychlasoma pulchrum,
Other common names:
Origin: Central & South America
Natural habitat: Streams and standing water
Size: 15cm
Behavior: Territorial, males may fight, otherwise relatively peaceful
Breeding: Eggs are laid on open surfaces and defended by both parents
Natural water conditions: pH 6.5-8, medium-hard
Sexing: Males have longer dorsal & anal fins and may be larger & brighter coloured

Fish code No.1120

Recently Viewed fish: Blue Acara

Ruby Shark

Black Molly

Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid

Chain Loach

Cardinal Tetra

The Blue Acara is a good introduction to the medium sized Cichlids of this type. Whilst territorial, the fish are generally tolerant of others and unless breeding, when they become very defensive, they are generally peaceful. The fish form pairs, and it is best to keep them this way. For aquariums up to 90cm, a single pair is best to avoid fights should one pair decide to breed.
Blue Acaras are adaptable to a wide range of conditions and can even be kept in cool water. In nature the fish feeds on insects, aquatic animals and crustaceans, so the addition of live or frozen meaty foods like bloodworm will be of benefit. Because of their size and diet, good filtration and monitoring of nitrates is essential. Hardy plants may be ignored, but other vegetation may be damaged. Whilst the fish prefer a sandy or fine substrate, they can be kept in almost any aquarium with a few hiding places.
When purchasing beware of another cichlid, the Green Terror (Aequidens rivulatus) which can look very similar when young, but will mature to be much more aggressive.

Fish Database Search

Select a species group to see a list of species with pictures and sizes:

Search by fish code: Enter the fish code, then click search.
Search by common name:
Search by scientific name: