Electric Blue Acara Cichlid, tropical fish, pet city
Electric Blue Acara Cichlid, tropical fish, pet city

Electric Blue Acara Cichlid

$49.99 NZD $39.99 NZD Save 20%
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Live Fish

Size: x 1
  • DOA Cover*
  • Insulated Box & Heat Pads
Shipping & Returns

All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).

We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.

We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.

Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
  • DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
  • Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
  • Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
  • DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
  • DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.

Click Here for DOA Cover Policy
Introducing New Fish

Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!

  1. Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
  2. Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
  3. Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
  4. Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
Size

Electric Blue Acara Cichlid

The Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) is a freshwater fish native to the slow flowing rivers and lakes of Central and South America. They are from the cichlidae family, a well-known group among fishkeeping enthusiasts.

They are a relatively tolerant fish that has a peaceful temperament. It will rarely cause you any trouble and will get along with most fish just fine. The only time you need to worry about aggression, is during breeding time (we will cover this later in more detail).

These fish can live for a relatively long time, especially if you compare them to other freshwater fish. With good care and aquarium conditions, they can live up to 10 years.

Like many other members of the Cichlidae family, the Electric Blue Acara is a popular choice for many aquarists.

Species Overview

  • Common Name: Electric Blue Acara

  • Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher

  • Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)

  • Origin: Selectively bred from the standard Blue Acara; wild ancestors hail from Central and South America (e.g., Venezuela, Trinidad, and Colombia).

Appearance

  • Coloration: Iridescent electric blue scales with hints of neon green and silver. Some may have faint vertical banding or yellow highlights on the head and fins.

  • Size: Typically 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) in captivity.

  • Body Shape: Stocky and oval-shaped, with rounded fins and a prominent dorsal fin.

Behavior & Temperament

  • Temperament: Generally peaceful for a cichlid. Can be mildly territorial, especially during breeding, but far less aggressive than other species like Jack Dempseys or Green Terrors.

  • Tank Compatibility: Can coexist with other semi-aggressive or peaceful fish of similar size—avoid fin-nippers or tiny tankmates.

  • Activity Level: Active swimmers; enjoy digging and foraging in substrate.

Tank Requirements

  • Water Conditions:

    • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

    • pH: 6.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

    • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

  • Substrate & Décor: Sand or fine gravel substrate; rocks, driftwood, and plants are appreciated—though they may occasionally uproot decor when digging.

  • Filtration: Strong, efficient filtration is recommended; they produce moderate bioload

Diet

  • Type: Omnivore

  • Diet in Captivity:

    • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes

    • Live/frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

    • Vegetables: blanched spinach, peas, zucchini

  • Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times per day, ensuring not to overfeed.

Breeding

  • Difficulty: Moderate (suitable for hobbyists with some experience)

  • Pairing: Form monogamous pairs; may bond naturally or be selected.

  • Spawning: Lay eggs on flat surfaces (e.g., rocks); both parents typically guard the eggs and fry.

  • Fry Care: Feed newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flake foods.

Summary of Key Attributes

Trait Detail
Lifespan 8–10 years
Temperament Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Difficulty Easy to moderate
Breeding Biparental care, substrate spawners
Notable Feature Striking electric blue coloration

***Photos for reference only*** If you like updated photo please contact us and we will send you photos/video of actual fish that you are purchasing.

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