Updated: 26th February 2009
ACARA
Aequidens Pulcher
Common name: Blue Acara, Blue
Cichlid, Blue Spot Cichlid
Scientific name(s):
Aequidens pulcher. Max size: 20 cm, but usually smaller
Temperament: Peaceful but territorial fish
Water quality: pH neutral to quite alkaline, soft to quite hard
water.
Temperature: 18 to 25°C (64-77F)
Origin: South America. A Pulcher in Panama, Venezuela Trinidad and
Latifrons in Columbia.
Comments: Blue Acaras are a hardy and undemanding fish, although regular partial water changes are recommended, as they will not be happy if pH drops too low. Despite their size they are a relatively peaceful cichlid except during breeding. Burrows but does not eat plants. You should protect roots and they prefer a substrate of fine gravel. Aquariums prefered are open areas, some flat or smooth rocks, artificial plants may be preferable.
Suggested foods: A good quality tropical flake, granule or pellet supplemented with frozen shrimp & worm foods, daphnia, beefheart. They like most commercial flake food and live food.
Sexing: Males have more extended dorsal and anal fins.
A sturdy, handsome fish that works well in a large community tank alongside other, not too delicate species such as Congo tetras, giant danios, loaches, and dwarf Synodontis. Although not particularly aggressive by cichlid standards, it is perhaps a bit too rough and predatory to work with small tetras, guppies, angelfish, etc. It is also rather a greedy, messy fish so must be kept in an aquarium with an excellent filter. Doesn't dig much, but can damage delicate plants.
An omnivorous species, this fish
benefits from a varied diet including live foods and some vegetables
or algae.
Breeding is not difficult. Males are distinguished by the extended
rays on the dorsal and anal fins. The eggs are laid on clean stones,
and generally the parents look after them very well. Once free
swimming, the fry can be raised on newly hatched brine shrimp and
liquid fry food.
Distribution: Central and Northeast South America in the countries of Venezuela, Trinidad, Columbia and Panama
When looking at the Acara from the side or profile angle the fish is oval in shape. Looking at the fish from the front shows a very broad forehead area that tapers down to a compressed rear area. In the males, the ends of the dorsal and anal fins are very elongated. The dorsal fin can even reach over the caudal fin.
They can reach a length of about eight inches and have been known to breed at half that size. A very beautiful fish! The sides have a base colour of Yellow to Brown with hints of Green or Blue in it. The belly area is also this colour but of a paler hue. The back looks to be an army Green in colour. The scales of the Acara each have a shinny Blue or Blue-Green spot that give the whole body an iridescent view.
The sides are marked with a series of five to eight up and down bands with the forth band having a large Black blotch in it. The iris in the eye is Yellow. The gill covers and cheeks have many metallic dots in same sheen of Blue or Green as the scales. The caudal or tail fin is mostly clear with a hint of Red in it. The other fins all have a Blue Green sheen, with the dorsal being outlined in Red. The lips are a pale Blue in colour. During breeding the sides are marked with a series of six to eight side to side rows of Green to Golden dots.
The females are generally the same colour overall, without the extended fins. Typical to most Cichlids the Blue Acara is a Hardy and easy to care for fish if their needs are met. They are omnivorous and will accept all types of food and relish anything live. The tank should be large and have plenty of caves and nooks to hide in. Driftwood, rockwork and Live plants are also helpful. Provide good filtration and do frequent water changes, as they do not do well if the water conditions deteriorate.
