Electric Blue Acara is a fantastic man-made hybrid of the regular blue acara. The fish belong to the cichlid fish families, bony freshwater species.
Scientifically known as Andinoacara Pulcher Hybrid, this fish is a beautiful sight, thanks to its vibrant blue color. Electric blue acara is a sight to behold, hence common among aquarists.
Are you planning to add an aquarium to your space? This electric blue acara guide will help you start seamlessly.
Special Traits and Care Guide
Appearance
As the name implies, the fish is undoubtedly electric! Their scales display a striking blue color with a magical orange lining and a faded yellow coloring on their front part.
The Electric Blue Acara adorns a rich golden stripe on the top rim that is prominent and another one on the lower age of the tail fin. This colorful addition contrasts the blue color on its metallic scales, making the body form a textured design.
When mature, some breeds of electric blue acara grow to 7 inches long, though they may start breeding when 4 inches. The fish has a cichlid physique which is oval, with pointy dorsal and anal fins. Female fins are shorter than males.
Diet and feeding
A good healthy diet helps enhance the fish’s bright, rich colors. Wild electric blue Acaras feed on an omnivorous high-protein diet like worms, insects, plants, and small fish species. A dense and stable diet will help the fish remain pleasant, but if not well-fed, this naturally calm fish may turn brutal and attack other fish in the aquarium.
If you choose to keep the blue acaras, replicate its natural diet as closely as possible with feeds like shrimp, bloodworms, and mussels. Also include plant-based foods like flakes from leafy vegetables, premade granules, or frozen foods. A diverse diet provides a wide range of nutrients.
Breeding
These fish reach sexual maturity when 4 inches long, or between 8-10 months. If you successfully breed a pair, you can use it in the future as the electric blue acaras mate for life.
During the breeding season, this species may display unusual aggressive behavior.
Habitat Requirements
The best environment where electric blue acara thrives includes tropical lakes with heavy plants and slow-moving streams and rivers. Create a similar environment in the tank by replicating substrate, décor, plants, and water parameters.
Since they like digging, they provide soft and non-abrasive substrate into the tank-like fine sand or rounded gravel.
Also, include rocks, caves, driftwood, and plants in the tank to give the acara areas to explore and hiding spots.
Consider adding a coat of dried leaves to give the aquarium a natural vibe.
Behavior
Unlike aggressive cichlids, the blue acara gets along well with many fish species of the same size. Ideal mates for this fish are plecos, banded cichlids, Oscars, corydoras, Moga cichlids, velvet cichlids, and zebra cichlids
Avoid keeping aggressive or large fish alongside the acaras to protect them.
Water Parameters
Like any other living thing, electric blue acara has a favorable environment where it thrives. Keep the temperature in the tank within 75-76 degrees Fahrenheit and hardness between 6-20 DH for best results. The ideal acidity is near or above neutral, but 6.0-8pH is acceptable.
Conclusion
Electric blue acara is low maintenance and easy to breed fish for new and old aquarists. You will also enjoy it more as the fish has a lifespan of about ten years, and is one of the most beautiful species that exists. This fish will color not only your tank but also your world.
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