Electric Blue Acara - Andinoacara Pulcher

The Blue Smokey Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare), also known as the Philippine Blue or Cobalt Angelfish, is a very in-demand color variant of the classic angelfish. Juveniles often do not display the blue/turquoise coloration, but will develop it generously as they grow and approach maturity. This shoaling cichlid is relatively peaceful compared to other members of the cichlid family. It also has a very thin, tall body unlike most other cichlids.

Origin:

The Electric Blue Acara is a selectively bred colour form of the popular Blue Acara. The wild fish is known from a variety of habitats, including clear free-flowing streams and rivers, as well as turbid standing waters.

Habitat:

A tank measuring a minimum of 4ft long would be suitable for a pair of these fish, and should be set up with a soft, sandy substrate and tangles of driftwood. Hardy plants can be included, but as these fish are enthusiastic diggers. Anubias and Microsorum, which can be trained to grow on pieces of driftwood rather than those which root in the substrate itself would be ideal for the habitat. Floating plants are also a good addition to help diffuse the lighting. Filtration should be efficient, ideally an external canister to cope with the amount of substrate digging and the fair amount of waste that these fish produce. Good water quality should be provided at all times to ensure the continued wellbeing. 

Diet:

Pellets and flake along side a variety of meaty frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis, chopped prawns/cockle/mussel etc.

Tank Mates: 

Although Electric Blue Acaras are relatively peaceful – except during spawning when the pair will become territorial towards other fish – they are not suitable for placing into a general community tank with small fish. They can, however, be kept with larger “deeper-bodied” characins, or, if the aquarium is 6ft+ long, other medium-sized peaceful South/Central American cichlid species such as Severums or Firemouths (this will only work if enough space/territories are provided). Small, peaceful bottom-dwellers such as Corydoras catfish may suffer a hard time of things when the Electric Blue Acaras are with young and being very protective, so are probably best avoided. XL Brochis species and suckermouth catfish (Loricariids) would make good companions.

Behavioural Traits:

Generally peaceful, but can be territorial during spawning.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 22-27 °C
• pH:  6.5-7.8
• dH: up to 25 degrees.