{"product_id":"electric-blue-acara-andinoacara-pulcher","title":"Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher)","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eElectric \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"4\"\u003eBlue Acara\u003c\/b\u003e is a crown jewel of the freshwater hobby, beloved for its shimmering metallic scales and surprisingly mild temperament. Unlike many of its more aggressive cousins, the \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"183\"\u003eAndinoacara pulcher\u003c\/i\u003e is often cited as the ideal \"entry-level\" cichlid. With a body draped in iridescent blue flecks and a classic robust silhouette, this \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"337\"\u003eSouth American Cichlid\u003c\/b\u003e brings both high-end color and captivating intelligence to the home aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eQuick Stats\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"17\"\u003eAndinoacara pulcher\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Easy to Intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/b\u003e Semi-aggressive (Peaceful for a cichlid)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e 8 to 10 years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/b\u003e 6 to 8 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePlace of Origin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThe Blue Acara is native to the freshwater basins of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"53\"\u003eCentral and South America\u003c\/b\u003e, specifically in \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"96\"\u003eTrinidad and Venezuela\u003c\/b\u003e. They are naturally found in a variety of habitats, ranging from turbid standing water to clear, flowing streams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIdeal Environment \u0026amp; Tank Size\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eWhile they are smaller than many Central American cichlids, they still require ample space to establish territory. A \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"117\"\u003eminimum tank size of 30 gallons\u003c\/b\u003e is required for a single specimen, though \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"191\"\u003e50 to 75 gallons\u003c\/b\u003e is highly recommended for a pair or a community setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/b\u003e They enjoy sifting through the bottom; use \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"54\"\u003efine sand\u003c\/b\u003e or smooth, small-grade gravel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDecor:\u003c\/b\u003e Provide a mix of open swimming space and \"structured\" areas. Use driftwood, large smooth rocks, and overturned flowerpots to create caves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePlants:\u003c\/b\u003e They are generally \"plant-friendly\" for cichlids, but they may dig during spawning. Hardy species like \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"111\"\u003eAnubias or Java Fern\u003c\/b\u003e attached to wood are best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10,3,1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/b\u003e 72°F to 82°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,1,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003epH:\u003c\/b\u003e 6.5 – 8.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,1,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,1,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/b\u003e 3–20 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFeeding \u0026amp; Diet\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003eThe Blue Acara is a hearty \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"27\"\u003eomnivore\u003c\/b\u003e with a big appetite. They are opportunistic feeders that thrive on a varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePrimary Diet:\u003c\/b\u003e High-quality Cichlid pellets or sticks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eProtein Boost:\u003c\/b\u003e They relish frozen or live foods such as \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"56\"\u003ebloodworms, mysis shrimp, and earthworms\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eVegetables:\u003c\/b\u003e Occasional offerings of blanched spinach or spirulina-based flakes will help maintain digestive health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCompatible Tank Mates\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003eBecause of their relatively peaceful nature, Blue Acaras can reside in a \"community cichlid\" tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBest Mates:\u003c\/b\u003e Larger Tetras (like Buenos Aires or Bleeding Heart Tetras), Corydoras, Bristlenose Plecos, and other peaceful medium-sized cichlids like Severums or Firemouths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/b\u003e Very small fish like Neon Tetras or Guppies, which may be viewed as food, and overly aggressive cichlids like Red Devils or Oscars that may bully the Acara.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBreeding the Blue Acara\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003eBlue Acaras are \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"18\" data-index-in-node=\"16\"\u003esubstrate spawners\u003c\/b\u003e and are exceptionally dedicated parents, making them a joy to breed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"19,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePairing:\u003c\/b\u003e They are monogamous and form strong pair bonds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"19,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Site:\u003c\/b\u003e The pair will meticulously clean a flat rock or a broad leaf to lay their eggs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"19,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSpawning:\u003c\/b\u003e The female can lay up to 200–500 eggs. Both parents will fiercely guard the nest and \"fan\" the eggs to provide oxygen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"19,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFry Care:\u003c\/b\u003e Once hatched (after about 3 days), the parents will move the fry to small pits in the sand. You can feed the free-swimming fry \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"19,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"137\"\u003ebaby brine shrimp\u003c\/b\u003e or crushed flakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePLEASE READ BEFORE ORDERING\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe photos shown on fish product pages are representations of adult fish and are NOT the actual fish that you will be receiving.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease visit our “Ordering\/Shipping fish” page prior to checking out to familiarize yourself with our process.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e⁃\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWe ship fish exclusively using overnight shipping with either FedEx or UPS. We will not ship fish with lesser expensive shipping services like “Ground” or “Priority Mail”. This is to ensure the safety of the fish.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KGTropicals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40957535060032,"sku":null,"price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1478\/2240\/files\/InstagramPost-29.png?v=1776955462","url":"https:\/\/keepfishkeeping.com\/products\/electric-blue-acara-andinoacara-pulcher","provider":"KGTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}