Blue acara - Aequidens pulcher

Scientific name: Aequidens pulcher

Common name: Blue acara

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 16 - 20 cm (6.3 - 7.87 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 25°N (71.43 - 446.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 18 - 23 °C (64.4 - 73.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Central America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Feeding

Blue Acaras are omnivores with a preference for protein-rich foods. In the wild, they consume a variety of live foods, including small fish, insects, and crustaceans. In captivity, they should be fed a balanced diet to ensure optimal health and vibrant coloration. Offer high-quality granules and flakes as their staple diet, ensuring they contain essential nutrients and proteins suitable for cichlids. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as earthworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia to replicate their natural diet and provide enrichment. Occasional treats of beef heart or small snails can also be offered, but use these sparingly to avoid digestive issues.

Feeding should be done once or twice a day, with portions that the fish can consume within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues. It's crucial to provide a varied diet to maintain their health, boost their immune system, and enhance their natural colors. Remember that Blue Acaras can be aggressive eaters, so ensure that all tank inhabitants are receiving adequate nutrition, especially if housed in a community setup.

Sexing

Sexing Blue Acaras can be tricky when they are young. As they mature, subtle differences between males and females become more apparent. Males typically have longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins compared to females. Their fins may also exhibit more intense coloration and patterning. In contrast, females usually have shorter and rounder fins. The male's anal fin is generally wider than the female's, and during the breeding season, females may appear rounder and fuller in the abdomen as they carry eggs.

It's difficult to accurately sex juveniles until they reach a size of at least 7-8 cm (around 3 inches) in length. Patience is key, as physical differences become more pronounced as they approach maturity. Observing their behavior can also provide clues; males often display more territorial and dominant behavior, especially during the breeding season.

Breeding

Breeding Blue Acaras is relatively straightforward, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. To encourage breeding, provide a separate breeding tank with a flat rock or slate, as the female prefers to lay her eggs on a clean, flat surface. Maintain water conditions slightly on the warmer side, around 24-26°C (75-79°F), with soft to moderately hard water. Condition the breeding pair with a high-protein diet of live or frozen foods to promote spawning readiness.

Once ready, the female will lay up to 200 eggs on the chosen surface. Both parents will guard and tend to the eggs, displaying increased territorial behavior. The eggs typically hatch within 2-3 days, and the fry become free-swimming a week after hatching. At this stage, it's advisable to remove other tank mates to prevent aggression and ensure the safety of the fry. Feed the fry newly hatched brine shrimp or specialized fry food to support their growth.

The parental care exhibited by Blue Acaras is fascinating to observe. They will often move the fry to different locations within the tank to protect them from potential threats. However, if you notice excessive aggression or the parents eating the fry, it may be necessary to remove the fry to a separate rearing tank.

Lifespan

Blue Acaras have an expected lifespan of up to 10 years with proper care. To maximize their lifespan, provide a stable environment with high water quality, regular maintenance, and a balanced diet. Regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters are essential to prevent stress and disease, ensuring your Blue Acaras thrive in their aquarium habitat.

Tank Setup and Environment

To keep Blue Acaras comfortable and reduce aggression, provide a spacious tank of at least 200 liters (around 53 gallons) for a pair or small group. Include hiding spots using rocks, caves, and driftwood to create distinct territories. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is ideal, as they enjoy digging and sifting through the substrate. Incorporate live plants such as Java Fern or Anubias attached to decor, as they are less likely to be uprooted by the fish's activities. Floating plants can also help diffuse the lighting, creating a more natural environment.

Maintain the water temperature between 18-23°C (64.4-73.4°F) with a pH range of 6.5-8. Ensure efficient filtration to keep the water clean, as Blue Acaras are sensitive to poor water quality. They prefer a moderate water flow, which mimics their natural riverine habitat. Regular water changes and monitoring of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are crucial to prevent stress and disease.

Compatibility and Tank Mates

Blue Acaras can be territorial, especially during breeding, so choose tank mates carefully. Suitable companions include other medium-sized, peaceful to semi-aggressive cichlids such as Keyhole Cichlids, Firemouth Cichlids, or Severums. Non-cichlid tank mates like Plecos, large Tetras, or Rainbowfish can also coexist with Blue Acaras if provided with adequate space and hiding spots.

Avoid housing them with small, delicate species like Guppies, Neon Tetras, or shrimps, as they may be harassed or eaten. Always monitor interactions between Blue Acaras and their tank mates, and be prepared to separate them if aggression becomes an issue.

Q&A

• How do I sex Blue Acara babies?
  • Answer: You can’t sex these fish until they are at least 3 inches (7-8 cm) in length. The male will have extended anal and dorsal fins. The female’s fins will be much shorter.

Pictures

Thanks to Peter Kusy!