Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher (Gill, 1858)
Also called Blaupunktbuntbarsch, Aequidens pulcher (former name)
Fairly peaceful for a medium-sized cichlid; a pair can share a roomy tank with medium characins, catfish and other gentle cichlids.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Length | 15 to 16 cm (6 to 6 in)123 |
| Coat | Medium, deep-bodied cichlid |
| Origin | Northern South America and the Caribbean: Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, including the Apure river and the Nariva Swamp.12 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
Fairly peaceful for a medium-sized cichlid; a pair can share a roomy tank with medium characins, catfish and other gentle cichlids.2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Blue Acara. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Looks how to spot one
Medium, deep-bodied cichlid
A sturdy, oval cichlid with a blue-grey body crossed by dark vertical bands. Males grow bigger, show brighter colour and carry more pointed dorsal and anal fins, while females look rounder.231
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moves around the middle and lower parts of the tank and likes room to swim plus a few flat stones or caves as territory markers.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Hardy and adaptable; keep the water clean with regular partial changes and give flat surfaces for spawning.2
Home where they are happiest
Tropical water of about 18 to 28 C, pH 6.5 to 8.0 and soft to hard water (roughly 5-25 dGH); a tank around 100-120 cm long suits a pair.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mainly a meat eater: bloodworm, brine shrimp, chopped mussel, prawn and earthworm, with most dried foods also taken.21
Company who they like around
Usually kept as a pair; mixes well with medium-sized, peaceful tankmates in a spacious aquarium.12
The story where it all began
Theodore Gill described the species in 1858. It was long known in the hobby as Aequidens pulcher before being placed in Andinoacara in 2009, and it remains a widely traded aquarium cichlid.213
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its species name pulcher is Latin for 'beautiful'.2
- 2
Parents may gather their fry into their mouths to shelter them when danger approaches.1
- 3
It has been used to help control mosquito larvae.1
- 4
A pair can lay up to around 200 eggs on a cleaned flat stone and guard the brood together for about two weeks.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 3 April 2020)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Gill in 1858; moved from Aequidens to the genus Andinoacara in 2009; family Cichlidae2
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Blue Acara?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as suggested by Pet Wiki's starting plan. Your Blue Acara is mainly a meat eater, enjoying bloodworm, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood, but will also take most dried foods. Adjust based on your fish's appetite and the food label, and check with a vet if unsure.21 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Blue Acara eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Blue Acara eats meaty foods like bloodworm, brine shrimp, chopped mussel, prawn, and earthworm, plus most dried foods. The facts don't specify what to avoid, so ask a vet for a safe list of foods to never give.21
How much space does a Blue Acara need?
A pair of Blue Acaras needs a tank about 100-120 cm long, giving them room to swim and a few flat stones or caves as territory markers. They move around the middle and lower parts of the tank, so space is important for their comfort.21
What temperature, light or water does a Blue Acara need?
Blue Acaras thrive in tropical water between 18 and 28°C, with pH 6.5 to 8.0 and soft to hard water (roughly 5-25 dGH). Pet Wiki suggests checking temperature daily and testing water weekly. No specific light needs are given, but a normal aquarium light cycle works.21 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Blue Acara's home?
Pet Wiki's plan recommends a weekly 25% water change, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water (never tap water) to keep the home clean. Regular partial changes keep your hardy fish healthy.2 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Blue Acara live with others?
Yes, a Blue Acara is fairly peaceful for a medium cichlid and can live as a pair with medium characins, catfish, and other gentle cichlids in a spacious tank. They mix well with peaceful tankmates, but avoid aggressive fish.21
How long does a Blue Acara live?
The provided information does not specify a lifespan for Blue Acaras. Lifespan varies with care and conditions; ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for typical expectations.
Can I handle a Blue Acara?
Blue Acaras are not meant to be handled; they are aquarium fish that prefer to swim freely. Handling can stress them and damage their protective slime coat. Enjoy watching them from outside the tank.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Keyhole CichlidWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Andinoacara pulcher fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, IUCN, breeding, trade
- Seriously Fish: Andinoacara pulcher seriouslyfish.comused for habitat, size, tank size, water, diet, behaviour, breeding, etymology
- Wikipedia: Blue acara en.wikipedia.orgused for size, colour, description, breeding behaviour
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.