Electric Blue Acara Cichlid (Andinoacara pulcher hybrid),

Electric Blue Acara Cichlid

The Electric Blue Acara is a true showpiece fish, displaying a vibrant electric blue coloration across its body, highlighted by a striking orange trim along the dorsal fin. It’s an eye-catching addition that instantly elevates any aquarium.

Why We Love This Cichlid

• Brilliant electric blue colouration throughout the body
• Hardy, active, and full of personality
• Relatively easy to breed in captivity
• Generally peaceful and compatible in larger community setups
• Makes a standout centrepiece fish

Tank Requirements

• Temperature: 23–30°C
• pH: 6.0–7.2
• KH: 0–10
• Minimum Tank Size: 120L+ (30 gallons) for a pair

Overview

• Diet: Omnivorous (primarily carnivorous)
• Behaviour: Semi-peaceful; can become territorial when breeding
• Origin: Man-made hybrid from South American species
• Adult Size: Up to 12–13cm

Typical Purchase Sizes

• Small: 2.5–3.8cm
• Medium: 5–6.3cm
• Large: 7.6–12.7cm

Care & Compatibility

The Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher hybrid) is a selectively bred variant of the Blue Acara, developed for its intense blue colour. While its exact origins are debated, it is well established in the hobby and breeds true with its own kind.

This species thrives in a well-structured aquarium with a sandy substrate, driftwood, rocks, and caves for shelter. While they usually leave plants alone, they may dig, so hardy plants or those attached to hardscape are best.

They do well with peaceful tank mates that are too large to be eaten. However, they may become territorial during breeding, and care should be taken when selecting companions. Avoid keeping them with small shrimp or delicate invertebrates, though larger snails can work in bigger setups.

Feeding

Electric Blue Acaras are easy to feed and accept a wide range of foods. For best health and colour:

• Offer a mix of high-quality pellets or flakes
• Supplement with frozen or live foods (e.g. bloodworms, brine shrimp)
• Include some plant matter in their diet

A varied diet will help maintain their vibrant colouration and overall health.