Electric Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher hybrid compatibility profile. Find the best tank mates by checking water parameters, aquarium swim zone pressure, social rules, and shrimp-safe verifications.
Core facts & bioload limits
Adult size6"
Minimum tank40 gal
Temperamentaggressive
Group1+
- temperature72-82F
- pH6.5-8
- water_hardnessGH 4-18 dGH | KH 2-10 dKH
- plant_safetysafe
- shrimp_safetyunsafe
- algae_eating_rolenone
- beginner_suitabilityintermediate
Community planning & swim zone pressure
When planning a community around Electric Blue Acara, consider the aquarium swim zone pressure. This species primarily occupies the middlebottom zone. Balance the setup by choosing tank mates that occupy the top or bottom zones to reduce crowding and stress.
Care caveats
- notesSelectively bred color form of the blue acara; calmer than many cichlids but still a predatory centerpiece fish.
- caveatWill hunt and eat small tetras, rasboras, and dwarf shrimp — choose tankmates large enough not to fit in its mouth, and don't combine with shrimp colonies.
- caveatNeeds a tank that supports adult size and a single fish's footprint; plan for strong filtration and consistent water changes given its bioload.
- caveatBecomes more territorial as adults pair off, especially around breeding — expect the pair to claim and defend a substrate footprint.
- caveatPair with similarly sized, equally calm community fish (medium rainbows, larger rasboras, large peaceful catfish); avoid aggressive bullies that will outcompete it.
Compatible tank mates
- Bladder Snailgreencompatible | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Malaysian Trumpet Snailgreencompatible | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Nerite Snailgreencompatible | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ramshorn Snailgreencompatible | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Pond Snailgreencompatible | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Horned Nerite Snailgreencompatible | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Honey Gouramigreencompatible | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Mystery Snailgreencompatible | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Japanese Trapdoor Snailgreencompatible | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ivory Mystery Snailgreencompatible | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->