Blue Acara

The Blue Acara is a beautiful and manageable South American cichlid with striking metallic blue coloration across its body. Unlike its more aggressive relative the Green Terror, Blue Acaras are relatively peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with appropriate tankmates. They display the characteristic cichlid intelligence and personality but without the extreme aggression. Their moderate size (6 inches max) makes them suitable for 40+ gallon tanks. Blue Acaras are excellent for aquarists wanting to experience cichlid behavior without the challenges of managing highly aggressive species like Oscars or Jack Dempseys.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Blue Acaras need moderate space with hiding spots:

• Minimum 30 gallons for one (40+ recommended)
• 55+ gallons for pairs or community tanks
• Hang-on-back or canister filter
• Heater to maintain 72-80°F
• Sand or gravel substrate (they enjoy sifting through sand)
• Rock caves, driftwood, and plants for territories
• Moderate planting with hardy plants (Anubias, Java Fern, Amazon Sword)
• Some open swimming space

Important: They like to dig and sift through substrate when foraging. Use sand or smooth gravel.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 72-80°F (22-27°C)
• pH: 6.5-8.0 (quite adaptable)
• Water Hardness: Moderate (5-15 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <30 ppm

Maintenance:

• Weekly 25% water changes
• They are adaptable to various water conditions
• Good filtration but not as demanding as larger cichlids
• Stable parameters more important than exact numbers

Feeding

Blue Acaras are omnivores and easy to feed:

• High-quality cichlid pellets as staple
• Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp
• Live foods: occasional treats (earthworms, small crickets)
• Vegetable matter: spirulina flakes, blanched vegetables

Feeding Schedule: 2 times daily, moderate portions.

Note: They have good appetites but won’t outcompete tankmates like more aggressive cichlids.

Behavior & Compatibility

Blue Acaras are among the more peaceful cichlids:

• Good Tank Mates:

  • Corydoras Catfish (they generally ignore bottom dwellers)
  • Plecos
  • Medium-sized Tetras (Congo, Buenos Aires)
  • Gouramis (Pearl, Blue)
  • Rainbowfish
  • Severum
  • Bolivian Ram
  • Rainbow Shark

• Avoid With:

  • Very small fish (neon tetras, guppies) - may be snacks
  • Shrimp and small invertebrates
  • Extremely aggressive cichlids (Oscar, Jack Dempsey)
  • Fin nippers

Behavior: Generally peaceful but can be territorial when breeding. They establish territories but usually don’t harass fish that stay out of their immediate space.

Breeding

Blue Acaras are relatively easy to breed:

• Form monogamous pairs
• Spawning site: Flat rocks, driftwood, or aquarium glass
• Both parents care for eggs and fry
• Eggs: 150-300 typically
• Fry care: Parents protect fry aggressively for several weeks

Breeding Behavior: Like most cichlids, they become more territorial when breeding. Provide extra space or be prepared to move other fish if aggression escalates.

Health Considerations

Generally hardy fish:

• Ich: Standard treatment works
• Bloat: From overeating dry foods
• Fin rot: If water quality deteriorates
• Bacterial infections: Rare with good maintenance

Prevention:

• Maintain good water quality with regular changes
• Provide varied diet
• Quarantine new fish

Size Considerations

Moderate-sized cichlids:

• Juvenile size: 1.5-2 inches when purchased
• Mature size: 5-6 inches
• Lifespan: 8-10 years

Note: Much more manageable size than Green Terror or Jack Dempsey.

Appearance

Beautiful metallic coloration:

• Metallic blue sheen over tan/brown body
• Sparkling scales throughout
• Blue operculum (gill cover) markings
• Yellow to orange fin edges
• Horizontal dark stripe sometimes visible

Sexual differences: Males slightly larger, may have longer fins.

Tank Maintenance

• Weekly 25% water changes
• Regular filter maintenance
• Gravel vacuuming (they stir up substrate)
• Monitor plant health (may uproot delicate plants)
• Watch for breeding behavior signs

Tips for Success

• Keep in 40+ gallons for best results
• Provide caves and hiding spots
• Choose appropriate tankmates (nothing too small or too aggressive)
• Feed varied diet for best coloration
• Sand substrate allows natural foraging behavior
• Leave them space to establish territories
• Watch for breeding behavior and be prepared to separate if needed
• They are jumpers - use tight-fitting lid

Comparison to Green Terror

Key differences from their larger relative:

• Blue Acara: 6” max, semi-aggressive, community-tank compatible
• Green Terror: 12” max, aggressive, large cichlid tank only