Blue Acara XL (Andinoacara Pulcher)
The Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) is a beautiful South American cichlid known for its shimmering blue-green coloration, metallic spotting and distinctive dark markings. With its attractive appearance and generally manageable temperament, the Blue Acara makes an excellent centerpiece fish for larger freshwater community aquariums.
Blue Acaras are typically more peaceful than many other cichlids, although they can become territorial when breeding. They are intelligent, active fish that appreciate plenty of swimming space along with rocks, driftwood and hiding areas.
Care Information:
Common Name: Blue Acara
Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher
Adult Size: Approximately 6–8 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for a single adult, with larger tanks recommended for pairs or communities
Temperature: 23–28°C (73–82°F)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive, generally peaceful for a cichlid
Care Level: Beginner to intermediate
Social Grouping: Can be kept individually, as a compatible pair or with appropriately sized tank mates
Breeding: Egg layer and substrate spawner. Parents typically guard their eggs and fry
Diet: Omnivorous. Feed quality cichlid pellets supplemented with frozen or live foods
Aquarium Setup: Provide good filtration, open swimming space and hiding areas using plants, rocks or driftwood
Please note: Blue Acaras can become more territorial when spawning. Avoid keeping them with very small fish that could potentially be viewed as food.
Blue Acara available in Ottawa, Ontario from Ottawa Tropical Fish. Local pickup in Barrhaven.
Due to the nature of live aquatic animals, all livestock and plant sales are final. We do not accept returns or exchanges once fish, invertebrates, or plants have left our care.
Livestock at Pickup
All livestock is inspected prior to sale and provided in good condition. Customers are encouraged to inspect their fish, shrimp, or snails at pickup and raise any concerns before leaving.
Once livestock leaves our care, Ottawa Tropical Fish cannot control transportation, acclimation, water parameters, tank conditions or interactions with existing livestock. For this reason, we cannot guarantee livestock after pickup.
Ottawa Tropical Fish is not responsible for losses resulting from:
Improper acclimation or sudden changes in temperature or water parameters
Poor water quality, uncycled aquariums or unsuitable tank conditions
Aggression, predation or incompatibility with existing tank mates
Improper care after pickup
Live Plants
Plants are provided in good condition at the time of pickup. Some melting, leaf loss or changes in appearance can occur while plants adjust to new water parameters and aquarium conditions. This normal adjustment is not covered.
Please contact us before purchasing if you are unsure whether a species is suitable for your aquarium. We are happy to help with compatibility and care recommendations.