Andinoacara pulcher – Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher – Blue Acara can reach a length of up to 20 centimeters but usually remains smaller, around 15 centimeters. They have beautiful blue/green iridescent colors and an orange edge on the dorsal fin.
Synonyms: Aequidens pulchrus, Cichlasoma pulchrum.
Origin
Panama, Colombia, Venezuela.
The Aquarium
These cichlids require an aquarium of at least 1.50 meters. Decorate the aquarium with hard plants, stones and driftwood to provide sufficient hiding places; the bottom must consist of gravel. The plants are generally left alone but must be firmly anchored, they tend to dig around in the soil. Use a powerful filter and change the water regularly.
Water parameters
Temperature: 22-28 degrees Celsius.
PH: 6,5-8
GH: 16-20
Diet
They prefer solid live food such as worms, snails and small fish. Beef heart, cichlid sticks, granules and dry food can be given as a supplement.
Character
They are peaceful towards conspecifics, but they can be quite aggressive towards other fish. They should be kept as a couple.
Breeding Andinoacara pulcher – Blauwe Acara
Breeding the Andinoacara pulcher – Blue Acara is quite easy, about 200 eggs are laid and fertilized on a stone that has been cleaned in advance. The eggs hatch after 2 to 5 days. During the breeding period, it is advisable to remove other fish because the parents can be over protective. Both parents guard the eggs and the young.
The fry can be raised with brine shrimp nauplii.
Author
Coby – J. de Lange
Copyright images
Niels Hogendoorn
