Blue Acara

Distribution:
   The Blue Acara was described by Gill in 1858. They are found in Central and South America; Colombia, Venezuela, and Trinidad. They inhabit both turbid and clear flowing streams where they feed on worms, crustaceans, and insects.

Status:
   This species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Description:
   The body of the Blue Acara is stocky and compact with a mostly steel blue-gray coloration. The are a few green horizontal lines on the face and their overall bluish-green scales give them a sparkling appearance.

Size - Weight:
   These fish get up to 8 inches (20 cm) and will breed at 4 inches.

Care and feeding:
   Since they are carnivores, the Blue Acara needs protein foods. In the wild they eat worms, crustaceans, and insects. In the aquarium provide them with live foods such as bloodworms, earthworms, and tubifex. They may also eat frozen foods (such as brine shrimp or blood worms) as well as protein flakes or tablets.
   A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is suggested. They need good water movement along with strong and efficient filtration. Provide a bottom of fine sand and plenty of hiding places among rocks and wood. Plants are appreciated, but the Blue Acara love to dig and can uproot them. Though these fish burrow they don't damage plants as much as other cichlids. Hardy plants such as Sagittaria and Vallisneria are best, and should be potted to protect the roots. Normal lighting is fine, but some occasional sunlight will help bring out their natural colors.
   The Blue Acara can be rewarding to keep for aquarists that are observant and diligent in providing care. Frequent water changes are necessary as their excretions will cloud the water and promote disease. Do water changes of 15 to 20% a week depending on bio load. They are subject to infections as well as other diseases that ail all freshwater fish.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Hardness: to 25° dGH
   Ph: 6.5 to 8.0
   Temp: 72-85° F 22-30° C

Social Behaviors:
   They are usually only kept with other fish at least their own size. Although not overly aggressive, the Blue Acara are monogamous and will pair off, developing a strong nuclear family. They get territorial when spawning and also may burrow and damage plants at that time.

Sexual Differences:
   Although it is usually very difficult to tell, the male has a more pointed dorsal and anal fins than the female.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Suggested water conditions: temperature 26-28°, low hardness 3-10° dGH, and pH 6.5-7.0.

Buy Blue Acara From LiveAquaria.com

   The Blue Acara are egg layers. A monogamous cichlid, the female lays the eggs on carefully cleaned rocks.See a general description of how these fish breed in Breeding Freshwater Fish.

Availability:
   The Blue Acara is available from time to time, both online and in fish stores, and is inexpensive.

Author: David Brough, CFS