Edit Andinoacara pulcher
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Name
Scientific name
Andinoacara pulcher
Described by
Authority Gill, Year 1858, Bracketed
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Blue Acara, Blaupunktbuntbarsch
Photograph credits
All 3 credited
Summary
The blue acara, Andinoacara pulcher, is a cichlid native to Trinidad and Tobago and parts of Venezuela. It occupies a variety of habitats, …
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
150mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Not recorded
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 22–28°C, pH 6.5–8
Hardness
5–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Apure, Nariva Swamp
Writing
Etymology
Andinoacara: named for the Andes mountain chain in South America, around which members of this genus are distributed, in combination with acará, the Tupí-Guara…
Distribution
Native to Trinidad and Tobago plus parts of Venezuela, and has been introduced in various other countries.
Habitat
An adaptable species that occupies a variety of habitats in nature, from murky still waters through to flowing clearwater streams and rivers.
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base measurements of 120 cm x 30 cm or equivalent is just about sufficient to house a pair.
Maintenance
The tank should ideally be furnished with a soft, sandy substrate and driftwood branches. Floating plants to provide shade are also a good idea, but rooted pla…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Mainly carnivorous, so offer meaty fare such as bloodoworm, brine shrimp, chopped mussel or prawn and earthworms. Most dried foods are also accepted.
Behaviour and compatibility
Peaceful for a cichlid of this size, and can be combined with other species that are too large to swallow. Good tankmates include medium-sized characins, catfi…
Sexual dimorphism
Mature males develop slightly pointed dorsal and anal fins, and females generally have a more rounded appearance than males.
Reproduction
One of the easiest substrate spawning cichlids to breed in the hobby. The best way to obtain a pair is to buy 6 young fish and allow them to grow and pair off …
Notes
A wonderful beginner's cichlid, the Blue Acara has been a mainstay of the aquarium hobby for many years. Unfortunately most of the fish we see in the hobby tod…
References
References
No references