How big do Blue Acaras get?

Most adults reach 15-18 cm, with well-fed males occasionally approaching 20 cm.

Can Blue Acaras live with other cichlids?

Yes, with similarly sized, non-hyper-aggressive cichlids in a long tank with broken sight lines. Avoid large aggressive species such as Oscars.

What size tank do Blue Acaras need?

120 litres is a sensible minimum for one adult; a pair or a community needs 200 litres or more.

Are Blue Acaras good for beginners?

They are a good first cichlid for someone who has already kept a stable community tank, but they are not a first fish.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Blue Acara

Andinoacara pulcher

A striking South American cichlid known for its intelligence, calm nature outside of breeding and beautiful blue-green colouration. A popular first cichlid for larger community tanks.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 28 °C
pH range: 6.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 10 dGH
Adult size: 15 – 20 cm
Min. tank size: 120 litres+
Lifespan: 8 – 12 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Low to moderate
Preferred setup: Planted with open swimming space and caves

About the Blue Acara

The Blue Acara is a medium-sized cichlid from northern South America. It combines the character of a cichlid — recognising its keeper, digging, rearranging decor — with a temperament that is manageable in a suitably sized community tank. Adults reach 15-20 cm and live for a decade or more, so it is a long commitment rather than a starter fish.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Blue Acara against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Blue Acara comes from

Native range

Northern South America, Southern Caribbean islands

Countries / regions

Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia

Habitat

Slow-moving rivers, streams and lakes with soft substrate, leaf litter and marginal vegetation.

Illustrative native range only, not an occurrence dataset.

Similar species

Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
Keyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Corydoras
Corydoras spp.
Peaceful armoured bottom dwellers that share the same temperature and pH range and stay out of the Acara's way.
Great
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cirrhosus
Tough, nocturnal algae grazer with a cave of its own; matches the water parameters and ignores mid-water territory.
Great
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Parameters overlap, but long fins can be nipped and both species claim spawning sites. Only in a long, well-decorated tank.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grows far larger, is highly territorial as an adult and will out-compete or injure a Blue Acara.
Not recommended
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Small enough to be eaten by an adult Blue Acara.
Not recommended

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