Fish Data : Blue Acara Cichlid

Other Information

Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Perciformes
Family:Cichlidae
Subfamily:Cichlasomatinae
Genus:Aequidens
Species:Aequidens pulcher

Origin - Central American areas ;Colombia, Panama, Trinidad, Tobago, Venezuela

size The largest scientifically measured Blue Acara was 16.0 cm (6.3 in). The body of the Blue Acara is compact and stocky while the fins are long and flowing. The forehead is noticeably larger than in other Acara species.

The exact colouration varies regionally between the various populations. The main body colour is a kind of sparkly steel blue-gray, but the exact shade varies from pale off-white blue to bluish-green and all the way to really deep blue. There body is decorated with 5-8 vertical black stripes (which may not always be distinctly visible) and blue iridescent spots and the face sport a few horizontal green lines. The fins have a hint of orange on the tips and some specimens have a red topfin rim.

Common Problems: Intestinal protozoa and starvation on acclimatisation, heavy parasite loads in wild caught fish. Sensitive to deterioration in water quality, but aside from that, tough as old boots when well fed and kept properly.

Similar Species: Often confused with Green Terrors (larger species), and young Jack Dempseys, both of which are more aggressive than the Blue Acara.

Care and feeding:    Since they are carnivores, the Blue Acara needs protein foods. In the wild they eat worms, crustaceans, and insects. In the aquarium provide them with live foods such as bloodworms, earthworms, and tubifex. They may also eat frozen foods (such as brine shrimp or blood worms) as well as protein flakes or tablets.

   A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is suggested. They need good water movement along with strong and efficient filtration. Provide a bottom of fine sand and plenty of hiding places among rocks and wood. Plants are appreciated, but the Blue Acara love to dig and can uproot them. Though these fish burrow they don't damage plants as much as other cichlids. Hardy plants such as Sagittaria and Vallisneria are best, and should be potted to protect the roots. Normal lighting is fine, but some occasional sunlight will help bring out their natural colors.

   The Blue Acara can be rewarding to keep for aquarists that are observant and diligent in providing care. Frequent water changes are necessary as their excretions will cloud the water and promote disease. Do water changes of 15 to 20% a week depending on bio load. They are subject to infections as well as other diseases that ail all freshwater fish.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:  These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:   
    Hardness: to 25° dGH
    Ph: 6.5 to 8.0
   Temp: 72-85° F 22-30° C

Social Behaviors:    They are usually only kept with other fish at least their own size. Although not overly aggressive, the Blue Acara are monogamous and will pair off, developing a strong nuclear family. They get territorial when spawning and also may burrow and damage plants at that time.

Sexing : The male's anal fin is wider than female's.

Breeding :

The Blue Acara Cichlid is great for beginners because it is easy to breed. The breeding pair should be well-fed and the water temperature should be maintained at around 89 degrees.

The female will lay about 200 eggs on rocks, plant leaves, and driftwood. The eggs will usually hatch in about 78 hours, and the fry will be free-swimming within a week. The new fry should be fed baby brine shrimp for a week.

The adults offer parental care of the eggs and fry so they don’t have to be put in a separate tank. The breeding pair can possibly spawn again while still caring for their existing brood. The parents will become aggressive toward other fish in the tank during spawning and brood care so it may be wise to have the breeding pair in their own tank.

Because the Blue Acara Cichlid is colorful, non-aggressive and hardy, it is a welcome addition to any aquarium.

Lifespan

Expected lifespan of Blue acara's is usually up to 10 years.

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Reference :

 http://www.fishkeeping.co.uk/modules/caresheets/caresheet.php?caresheetID=113

http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/63652-blue-acara/

http://www.aqua-fish.net/show.php?h=blueacara

http://douglas-duhamel.suite101.com/the-blue-acara-cichlid-a130715  

http://www.allabout-aquariumfish.com/2010/01/blue-acara-cichlids-fish-care.html

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/cichlid/blueacara.php