Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, sourcing, and tankmate intelligence on Electric Blue Acara - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team and cross-verified against vendor records on the live marketplace.
Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) is a freshwater fish kept by aquarists for community + species-specific freshwater displays. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of experience and stable water chemistry.
Where Electric Blue Acara comes from
Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. The captive-bred Electric Blue Acara sold at most LFS comes from generations of farmed stock and is generally hardier and better-acclimated to tank conditions than wild-caught equivalents. Wild specimens are occasionally available for keepers chasing original-bloodline coloration or biotope-accurate stocking.
Electric Blue Acara tank size and setup
Electric Blue Acara requires a minimum of 30 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (7 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Electric Blue Acara sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.
For a Electric Blue Acara setup: tank sized for the adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x tank volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape and plants.
Electric Blue Acara prefers freshwater parameters: Temperature: 74-80°F pH: 6.5-7.5 GH: 4-12 dGH KH: 3-8 dKH Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm Nitrate: Under 20 ppm long-term Copper: 0 (especially critical for invertebrates)
Use dechlorinator on every water change. Test parameters weekly during cycling, biweekly once stable. Stable consistency beats sliding-scale "ideal" parameters.
What Electric Blue Acara eats
Electric Blue Acara is a omnivore. Eats a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Quality flake or pellet (Hikari, New Life Spectrum, Tetra) plus frozen mysis or bloodworms 2-3x weekly produces best color and behavior. Feed Electric Blue Acara appropriately for its size + activity level. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of water-quality crashes in tanks of all sizes.
Electric Blue Acara tankmates and compatibility
Electric Blue Acara works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Adult-size matters more than purchase-size when planning stocking. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.
Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Electric Blue Acara and similar species.
Electric Blue Acara adult size and lifespan
Electric Blue Acara reaches 7 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 8-10 years with proper care. Most freshwater species live 3-10 years; larger species (oscars, plecos, knifefish) reach 10-20+ years.
Can you breed Electric Blue Acara?
Electric Blue Acara can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.
Common Electric Blue Acara diseases and problems
Electric Blue Acara is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Electric Blue Acara for 4 weeks before adding to your display tank. Treat fish in a separate hospital tank to avoid affecting plants and inverts. Most disease outbreaks trace back to poor water quality, chronic stress, or skipped quarantine.
Where to buy Electric Blue Acara online
Electric Blue Acara is sold at LFS (local fish stores), online retailers, and direct from breeders/wholesalers. Pricing varies widely by source, size, and quality:
Browse live Electric Blue Acara from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping (FedEx Priority + UPS Next Day), climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims. Captive-bred or aquacultured specimens cost more upfront but arrive healthier and integrate faster.
Electric Blue Acara FAQ
How big does Electric Blue Acara get?
7 inches at adulthood within 12-24 months.
How long does Electric Blue Acara live?
8-10 years with proper care.
What is the minimum tank/pond size?
30 gallons, with larger systems strongly recommended.
Is Electric Blue Acara hard to keep?
Electric Blue Acara is rated intermediate difficulty.
What does Electric Blue Acara eat?
Electric Blue Acara is a omnivore; appropriate diet matches its natural feeding pattern.
Electric Blue Acara taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.