Blue Acara Cichlid

Blue Acara Cichlid    (  Aequidens pulcher )

Grows to: 5"

Hobbyist Level:  A hardy South American Cichlid.  Unlike many other Cichlids, they do not dig, and they do not grow very large.  They are relatively easy to breed, and make good parents.   They do not dig or damage plants.

How Many?  Should be kept in pairs, or groups larger than three.

Housing:  (Temperature- 64-78),  (pH 6.5-8)  Tank size should be 40 gallon or more for adults.

Tank mates: Can be aggressive toward smaller fish and should not be kept in a typical community tank.  They can be kept with other similar size Cichlids such as Jack Dempseys and Firemouths. They often get along with similar size barbs, sharks, and catfish.   If you want to breed them purchase at least 6 small ones an let them grow up together.  Remove the other Cichlids once a pair begins to spawn.

Feeding:  Feed cichlid flakes and pellets, blood worms, brine shrimp, daphnia.
Natural Habitat:  Central and South America.  Inhabits turbid standing waters as well as clear free flowing streams.

Males and Females:  Males are more colorful and larger than females.