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Blue Acara, Andinoacara pulcher
South American · Species profile

Blue Acara care

Peaceful for a cichlid of its size, but will eat fish small enough to swallow.

  • Up to about 6 inches, not counting the tailAdult size
  • 72 to 82 FTemperature

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Food

Mainly meaty foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and chopped prawn, plus quality pellets.

Feeding guide

Tank mates

Medium tetras, corydoras, plecos, other peaceful cichlids.

Compatibility guide

Best setup

A 4 foot tank for a pair, such as a 55 gallon. Soft to moderate water, sand, driftwood and leaf litter, with plants and gentle flow. Keep nitrate low with regular water changes.

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In the fish room

Blue Acara in color

Bold color, real personality, natural-looking setups. The look that makes you stop in a great fish store.

Blue Acara, full body
Blue Acara, full body
Blue Acara in the aquarium
Blue Acara in the aquarium
South American planted community
South American planted community
Sand and driftwood river look
Sand and driftwood river look

Care basics

The blue acara is a hardy, mid sized cichlid with blue spangles on a gray body. It is a good starter cichlid and a close relative of the electric blue acara.

Keep a pair with medium sized tetras, corydoras, plecos or other peaceful cichlids that are too large to eat.

Quick facts

Scientific nameAndinoacara pulcher
GroupSouth America
Native toTrinidad and northern Venezuela
Adult sizeUp to about 6 inches, not counting the tail
Tank sizeA 4 foot tank for a pair, such as a 55 gallon
Temperature72 to 82 F
pH6.5 to 8.0
TemperamentPeaceful for a cichlid of its size, but will eat fish small enough to swallow.

Figures follow published species profiles such as Seriously Fish, and tank sizes are general guidance. Individual fish and local water vary, so test your water and ask your fish store about the specific fish you buy.

Where to buy

Where to get Blue Acara

Stores that sell Blue Acara, online and near you. Live stock checks come first, then every store we know carries it.

In stock online right now

Founding partners get the top Buy from this store button when they carry this fish. None are signed yet. Become a founding partner.

  • Dan's Fish
    UnsexedIn stock, checked 2:00 PM ET
  • Imperial Tropicals
    1-2” UnsexedIn stock, checked 2:00 PM ET
  • Wet Spot Tropical Fish
    Andinoacara pulcherIn stock, checked 2:00 PM ET
Sold out at last check (3)

Stock checked 2:00 PM ET on 2026-10-27. A fish can sell out between checks.

Stores known to carry Blue Acara

Sellers whose own websites list Blue Acara. We link straight to their page for it.

Local fish stores

Shops from our store finder whose own website or listing shows South and Central American cichlids.

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Availability changes. Call ahead before you drive or order.

Ozzy the oscar holding a shopping bag
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Shop the Blue Acara setup

The tank, food, filter, heater and decor that suit Blue Acara, based on the care notes above.

Product photos link to Amazon so you can compare current prices. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.

Gear We Recommend

Gear for Blue Acara

All gear
Hikari Cichlid Gold Medium Pellets
Best for: Most mid size cichlids

Hikari Cichlid Gold Medium Pellets

A balanced daily food. Sinking pellets reach shy fish too.

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San Francisco Bay Brand Frozen Bloodworms Cubes
Best for: New World cichlids and oddballs

San Francisco Bay Brand Frozen Bloodworms Cubes

A weekly treat. Skip bloodworms for mbuna.

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Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter
Best for: 55 to 100 gallon tanks

Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter

Quiet multi-stage canister that is the workhorse of mid-size cichlid tanks.

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Aqueon / All Glass 55 Gallon Aquarium
Best for: Starter Malawi or Central American

Aqueon / All Glass 55 Gallon Aquarium

The classic 4 foot tank for a small mbuna group.

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Only gear with a verified Amazon listing photo is shown. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Buy from a cichlid store. Find a local fish store near you or a trusted seller with fish in stock online.

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