The Amazing Electric Blue Acara (A Complete Guide 2022)

The Electric Blue Acara looks like it belongs to a magical fairy tale, and to our luck, it is 100% real!

Some fish have misleading names that do not directly represent them. However, Electric Blue Acara is everything the name specifies. The Electric Blue Acara is scientifically known as Andinoacara Pulcher Hybrid.

They belong to the family of Cichlid fish that are bony freshwater fish popularly known as aquarium fishes. Blue Acara is found in Venezuela, Colombia, and other South American countries.

Electric Blue Acaras have a vibrant electric blue color that makes them stand out and are widely known as the most magnificent cichlids. They display a striking blue shine on their scales from a young age with an orange lining on the fin.

Not only is the Electric Blue Acara incredibly gorgeous, but the fish is also one of the most peaceful of the cichlids, making it an excellent choice for a large or small aquarium of friendly and similar-sized species.

Surprisingly, Blue Acaras are also very easy to keep. They are very low-maintenance and just need basic care, so even a person who does not know much about fish can keep them as pets. And there’s no doubt that they are a lovely addition to a freshwater tank!

If you are thinking about adding Electric Blue Acaras to your aquarium or tank, you are in luck; these fish are pretty calm and not too hard to take care of.

They tend to get more aggressive throughout the breeding period, but that’s not something you need to worry about. As a good tank mate and a good sport, we definitely recommend introducing the Electric Blue Acara to your tank.

Continue reading this guide to know everything there is about Electric Blue Acara.

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Electric Blue Acara Fish Profile

The Electric Blue Acara is scientifically named Andinoacara Pulcher, which is Latin for “beautiful,” and it is quite evident why it is named so when you see this fish. This fascinating fish has a surreal radiance to it, and it is a genuine show-stopper for anyone enthusiastic about fish tanks. It comes from the lakes and rivers of South and Central America.

Even though the Electric Blue Acara is a type of Cichlid, they don’t display standard cichlid characteristics. Cichlids have quite the reputation for being a little bit dominant and violent, with ritualized patterns of aggression.

However, Electric Blue Acaras are the black sheep of the Cichlid family. They are typically easy-going fish with nonviolent personalities. The species is famous for being calm; however, their aggressive behavior can be triggered during the breeding season.

Electric Blue Acara are long-lasting, particularly compared to other freshwater fish. They can live up to 10 years in captivity with the proper aquarium conditions.

Depending on size, Electric Blue Acara is reasonably priced between $5 to $15. Younger and smaller fish tend to be cheaper than adult fish. So, they are not too cheap, but they are also not as expensive as saltwater fish.

Electric Blue Acara Appearance

Just as the name suggests, the appearance of Electric Blue Acara is accurately electric! These fish have a radiant and glossy blue color with faded yellow color on the front half of their body.

The top rim of their dorsal fin has a rich golden stripe that contrasts well with their electric blue color. The same golden stripe is also present on the lower edge of their tail fin, but it is not as prominent in this location, so you might not see it. They also have dots on their heads and bodies.

Their scales are evident due to the gradient of color on their bodies. Their scales look metallic, which enhances their stripes and forms a captivating textured design on the sides of their bodies.

Electric Blue Acaras have a standard oval cichlid physique with anal fins and pointy dorsal. In males, the fins are more elongated than the females, and the rays of the dorsal and anal fins naturally arch near the caudal fin. These are compact, plump fish that grow up to 7 inches long when they mature, although they can breed when they are approximately 4 inches long.

Lifespan: How long do Electric Blue Acaras live?

Electric Blue Acaras live for a pretty long time despite being freshwater fish. In proper aquarium conditions, their lifespan is 8-10 years in captivity. In the wild, they can live up to 15 years. Inadequate living conditions will significantly influence how long they live. They require proper aquarium conditions to survive.

Electric Blue Acara Behavior

As mentioned before, Cichlids are relatively aggressive when put in an aquarium with other fish, but the Electric Blue Acara is an exception. It hardly ever shows aggressive conduct and almost always gets along well with other fish of different sizes.

They sometimes tend to act territorial if there is not enough room for the fish in the tank. However, this is not usually an issue, and it can typically be controlled by acquiring a tank with the right size that also has sufficient plants and space for the fish to hide.

The Electric Blue Acara is fond of digging and burrowing the substrate, plants, and leaves at the bottom of the tank, which is pretty amusing to watch! They are friendly fish that are not inclined to hide, but the digging is incredibly severe when the Electric Blue Acara is preparing to breed.

Electric Blue Acaras also enjoy swimming, and you will probably notice your fish spending the day floating around.

Electric Blue Acara Care

Fortunately, Electric Blue Acaras are relatively strong and are not prone to diseases. But, there are still some things you must pay attention to.

Suitable water quality is essential. Contaminated water will cause illness, so you need to make cleaning your water tank a routine. Change approximately 30-40% of the water every week. Wash the tank and substrate every month too.

Taking care of their diet is also essential. Putting these fish in a tiny tank can cause problems with their digestive system, making them drained and upsetting their natural appetite.

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Electric Blue Acara Tank Setup

Habitat

When planning the perfect Electric Blue Acara tank, it is advised to recreate their natural habitat since it will be home to your fish. This regulation works well when creating tanks and ensuring your fish eat correctly.

In the wild, Electric Blue Acara live in lakes and rivers of Central and South America. So, in captivity, they are more likely to prosper in tanks with a sandy, soft substrate, a lot of space where they can go and hide, and areas to explore, such as driftwood, clay pots, and rocks.

Aquarium fish will become stressed in poor conditions, which results in more chances of them falling sick and decreased lifespans.

Filtration

As mentioned before, Electric Blue Acara can grow up to be quite large and can add a substantial bioload to your aquarium. For this reason, we suggest a system with proper filtration. A canister filter for a huge tank would be ideal and provide effective cleaning and the adequate water flow to imitate rivers.

You will also need good filtration in your tank because you will most probably have plants and other fish in the aquarium as well. Filtration is required to aerate the plants and supply fresh oxygen to the tank. Filters also terminate toxic particles and contaminated substances from the water, keeping it as fresh as possible.

Substrate

The choice of substrate for your tank is essential with Electric Blue Acara. When choosing the ideal substrate, keep in mind that this fish loves to dig and burrow in the ground to dig out nutrients and other food sources. Gravel, sand, and smooth pebbles can all be suitable choices for the tank’s base.

We recommend a cichlid-specific substrate. It helps buffer the water and sustains plant development due to its porous quality. Also, we recommend getting a dark-colored substrate to help your Electric Blue Acaras shine even brighter.

Lighting

Electric Blue Acaras are comfortable with all types of lighting conditions. However, your lighting options will be driven by the type and amount of plants you choose to have in your tank.

A regular aquarium lamp will be enough just for the fish. Make sure you schedule the lights to turn on during regular daylight hours for 8 to 10 hours so that you do not make your fish uncomfortable with unnatural night light.

Because of the filtration and lighting needs, we suggest using an extension wire for your tank to keep it organized and shielded against high voltage.

Decorations

Electric Blue Acara’s natural habitat is loaded with rocks, plants, and pieces of wood. Plants can be combined with some stones or driftwood to mimic their natural home.

When planting your aquarium, retain a healthy balance between free-swimming space and decorations so your fish can stretch their fins.

Plants

Cichlids can be a little harsh with plants, so you should include sturdy and solid options. Some plant options include Java Fern, Amazon Sword, Java Moss, and Anubias. Electric Blue Acaras do not usually eat plants, so you do not need to worry about putting hazardous plants in the tank. But you should be mindful that other fish in your aquarium may eat them, so make sure you find suitable plants for all.

Dried Leaves

The substrate is often covered with leaf debris in the Blue Acara’s natural habitat. You can replicate that in the home tank by adding a coating of dried leaves. The leaves give the setup a natural vibe and offer a medium for colonies of naturally appearing microbes to grow on.

Water Parameters

Electric Blue Acaras are relaxed and require minimal effort when it comes to water chemistry. But to make sure your fish grow to their maximum potential, try maintaining the parameters within this optimal range:

• A temperature range of 70-80°F, with 75-76°F being the most favorable.
• An acceptable acidity of 6.0-8 pH, but the ideal acidity level is near or barely above neutral
• Water hardness within 6-20 DH.

Electric Blue Acara Tank Size

Electric Blue Acaras are not tiny fish; they can grow up to 6 to 7 inches, and they are energetic swimmers. To keep them healthy and comfortable, you need an appropriately sized tank so they can swim around. If the aquarium is too small, these usually amicable fish can become aggressive.

This is why it is essential to keep the Electric Blue Acara in at least a 30-gallon aquarium. If you plan on adding more Electric Blue Acaras, then remember that you need 15 gallons per extra fish to house them. Electric Blue Acaras thrive in larger tanks that demand a purpose-built tank stand, so they do not damage your furniture.

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Electric Blue Acara Food and Diet

With any fish species, you must replicate the animal’s natural diet as closely as possible. Doing so will help keep your fish healthy and bring out its rich and bright colors.

Electric Blue Acaras are generally calm and pleasant, but they can be brutal when it comes to feeding. But as long as you feed them a rich and stable diet, they will not be inclined to harm or attack your other fish in the aquarium.

Electric Blue Acaras are omnivores, but they do enjoy meaty foods high in protein. They also love a wide variety of food, so make sure to enhance their feeds by including:

• Bloodworms
• Mussel
• Small insects
• Earthworms
• Shrimps
• Fish flakes
• Vegetation
• Readymade fish food (granules or pellets)

It is essential to feed your Electric Blue Acaras not more than 2 to 3 times every day, as they might not want to eat frequently. Ensure there is sufficient food in the tank for all of your fish to eat, but not so much that the excess food creates a stir among other fish.

You can also invest in chemical supplements that add more nutrients to the food. However, if you obtain certified food sticks and fresh meat, you won’t need to add any more nutrition. The crucial thing to remember is that the diet of Electric Blue Acaras should be as diversified as possible so that they get all the nutrients they need.

Feed them a portion of food they eagerly eat in approximately 3 minutes. If mealtime is more than 5 minutes, you are feeding your fish too much!

Electric Blue Acara Tankmates

These fish thrive well with other fish as tank mates, and it is wise to put them with similar-sized and friendly fish or with fish of the same breed.

In this scenario, size matters so that your fish can live together peacefully. You do not want Electric Blue Acaras to be tank mates with much bigger fish as they could quickly become prey, and aggressive fish will provoke fear and disturbance in the tank. Putting Electric Blue Acaras with tiny fish is also a bad idea as they could mistake the small fish for live food.

Electric Blue Acaras are not usually assertive or territorial. Still, they can chase off other fish that trespasses their territory or if it is breeding season.

Here are some excellent suggestions for Electric Blue Acara tank mates:

• Banded Cichlids
• Rainbowfish
• Discus fish
• Green Terror Cichlid
• Zebra Cichlid
• Cory catfish
• Otocinclus
• Moga Cichlid
• Oscars
• Bristlenose Pleco

On the other hand, some fish you should definitely avoid keeping with your electric blue acara include:

• Dwarf Cichlids
• Angelfish
• Cichlasomas

We recommend that you keep groups of Electric Blue Acara together so they can thrive peacefully with their kind. They are their own ideal tankmate, but you should use your judgment when choosing tank mates for your Electric Blue Acaras.

Breeding Basics

Breeding Electric Blue Acara is relatively simple. These fish need to grow up to 4-5 inches long and be about 8-10 months old to breed.

Plus, these fish are faithful as mating companions. They remain together for life. You cannot mix and match them with others once you have a breeding pair.

How to Breed Electric Blue Acara

To breed your fish, you need a male and a female. The most typically used features to distinguish the two genders are the dorsal fin and anal fin. These fins are bigger and sharper in males and rounder and shorter in females. Male Electric Blue Acaras are more likely to be bigger and have a bulge on their forehead.

Breeding Tank Set-up

The breeding tank is different from the standard tank. It should be more compact than the typical tank size to facilitate mating. For this reason, most experts recommend a 20-gallon tank. The pH level should be neutral or slightly lower (6.5-7 pH), and the water temperature should be approximately 76 or 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use a smooth substrate like sand as the base of the tank. Add some rocks where the female Electric Blue Acara can lay its eggs. But make sure to choose smooth and flat rocks rather than pointy and ragged ones.

Also, make sure to feed live foods regularly, such as blood worms or earthworms, to keep both male and female Electric Blue Acara nourished and in ideal breeding conditions.

The Breeding Process

Put your pair in the breeding tank once your tank is ready. A couple about to mate will get involved with each other more frequently than before. The mates will spend most of the time near the base close to the rocks. The rocks will be their breeding grounds. The female Electric Blue Acara will spawn the eggs, and the male will fertilize them.

The female will lay around 100 to 200 eggs.

The egg incubation period lasts for 2 to 3 days. When the eggs hatch, the mother and father dig a hole for the newly-spawned fry and put them there until they can swim. The pair will passionately protect their fry for up to 2 weeks and will be prepared to breed again soon after this period.

As we mentioned before, Electric Blue Acaras are overall calm, but the breeding season is the only time they are more aggressive than usual.

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FAQ

What’s the difference between blue Acara and electric blue Acara?

Electric Blue Acara is a cross between a regular Blue Acara and an Electric Blue Ram. Genetically speaking, these two cichlids are relatively closely related, and the color of the two electric blues is quite alike. Normal Blue Acaras are usually 8 inches long and are slightly aggressive. Electric Blue Acaras are barely 6 inches long and are relatively calm.

Do Blue Acaras eat snails?

You should not put small delicate invertebrates like dwarf shrimp with the Electric Blue Acara as they might get eaten. But more stable, stronger invertebrates like snails make good tank mates in a large tank.

Is Electric Blue Acara shy?

Unlike other Cichlids, the Electric Blue Acara is a gentle, easy-going fish. But it can be shy, preferring to hide away in caves or amongst dense planting, and only glance occasionally to look at passing tank mates.

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Conclusion

Not many fish are as stunning as the Electric Blue Acara, with its varicolored blue body and a unique dorsal fin that runs along its back. You can never get tired of watching it swim around the tank. Plus, these fish will be with you for a long, long time! They have a lifespan of 10 years, making them a great addition to your tank!