They spend their time rummaging around the substrate seeking scraps of food. These vibrant fish are sure to add some excitement to your aquarium. Floating plants can be very helpful for dimming lighting conditions and making fish feel more like in their natural habitat. For instance, African cichlids grow around six inches long. When the electric blue acara is between 8 and 10 months, it is considered mature enough to breed, and they will usually find their ideal pair in the tank on their own. To get the best breeding pair possible, many hobbyists purchase a small group of about 5 fish. The recommended tank size for the Electric Blue Acara is 30 gallons. Electric blue acaras are hardier than most fish. That being said, they cannot tolerate ammonia or nitrite and breeding will demand more specific parameters. Install the heater and filtration unit, but dont switch them on. Austin, Texas 78750. Being able to care for a stunning fish like the electric blue acara is a great way to gain confidence as a hobby aquarist, so make sure you have a tank that is not too small, a stable water temperature, an appropriate tank mate, and nutritious fish food.You can soon witness it swimming happily in the tank. While setting the tank for your Electric Blue Acara, keep in mind the following aspects: Tank Size. These Dwarf rainbows are prefect for smaller aquariums. So far these are some options that I've come up with: Option 1 -. Size: 6-10 Inches Tall. If you dont want to hassle with this then you can feed them pellets and flake fish food provided it has enough nutritional value to keep them healthy. There are also store-bought items available to modify the pH of your water, but use them with caution and always follow the instructions since the results might be drastic. Blue Acara 29 gallon planted tank. Unless there is food collected in the substrate, it will rarely travel to the bottom of the tank. be sure to allow one gallon of water per one inch of fish. Don't worry - we have you covered! Put the blue acaras in one tank and leave the other fishes where they are. There are many ways to set up a tank with the electric blue acara in mind. You can keep around 10-15 cichlids in a 55-gallon fish tank. In most cases, hobbyists use this fish species as the showpiece of the display, with all other species being catered towards them. There may be a few things to think about when trying to breed the Electric Blue Acara, but it does not change that the andinoacara pulcher is perhaps the easiest cichlid to breed. Discus is the most colorful fish. Malawi bloat is a sickness that affects cichlids in Malawi. It is best to keep them in groups of six or more and, as an albino, come in a variety of hues. Kevin Clamser says . Most cichlid enthusiasts keep their tanks simple with rocks, like Texas holey rock, ceramic flower pots, and driftwood. It is rare for the electric blue acara to be aggressive, despite being a cichlid, and they never tend to display these types of. The water temperature in the tank should be kept at a constant 72 to 85 Fahrenheit, with 75 to 76 Fahrenheit being optimal. Fish are fascinating creatures that come in practically every size, shape, and color. They are quiet and hang out towards the aquariums bottom. When you have multiple Electric Blues in the same tank its quite stunning to watch! With that being said, there are still some care guidelines that youll need to abide by if you want them to live a long and happy life. I have 12 of various varieties in my 75 gallon aquarium and wanted some to enjoy in my 20 gallon. This means soft, acidic water with water hardness between 2 and 10 KH and pH between 6.0 to 7.0. At this point, the fry or the parents may be removed from the tank to increase survival chances. These, Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Why Is My Goldfish Turning White? Use a sandy substrate to cover the bottom of the tank, and place plenty of flat rocks on top that the female will use as a place to lay her eggs. Their bodies are long, and about average in terms of thickness. One can accomplish this by relocating the fish to a new tank or doing a significant water change. Dont add dechlorinator to the water if you want to cycle the tank before introducing fish. Use this length as the benchmark when determining mating viability. Expect your tank to be around 140lbs when empty and 850lbs when filled. Luckily, these problems can be easily treated and easily avoided. They are calm and go about their business at the bottom of the aquarium. On the side of their bodies, youll typically see a bit of faded yellow more toward the front half. Another disease that can harm electric blue acaras is freshwater ich. . Thats one of the reasons why a breeding tank is recommended. Cichlids are somewhat aggressive when put in a tank with other fish, but the electric blue acara despite being a cichlid. Malawi bloat is a common disease of cichlids. The fish will clean a spot on the bottom of the tank on top of the rocks where theyll tend to their eggs. The electric blue acara, also known by its scientific name andinoacara pulcher hybrid, is a freshwater fish which relative the blue acara, is native to Colombia, Venezuela, and other countries in South America. Because blue acaras are not all that common and I would guess the electric blue is in fact a jack Dempsy. In this article, we will go for ten of the best Blue Acara tank mates, including some interesting facts about each of them. The best tank shape to choose for the Blue Acara is long rather than tall. #1. They accept a wide variety of foods and are considered a great option for cichlid novices because they are very hardy. Blue Acara (Aequidens pulcher) - Named for the blue coloration they develop in adulthood, blue acaras are unaggressive, but they do tend to dig. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Over the course of the next two to three days, the parents will protect the eggs. Thus, it is best to alter pH over several days gradually. Keep in mind that you will need at least a 90-gallon tank or larger to provide your Acara Cichlids with enough space to live and grow. You are unlikely to find any other breed that is as breathtakingly beautiful and at the same time so easy to care for, which is why the andinoacara pulcher is the pride and joy of several aquarium hobbyists and aquarium owners. However, Blue Acaras are also sometimes found in standing water, where they feed on insects, crustaceans, worms, and some plant matter. With this in mind, it is a good idea to have a group of electric blue acara fish that gives them the freedom of choice, and when you know which pair to breed you can move them over to a 20-gallon breeding tank. The proud mother of blood parrots, firemouths, convicts, red zebras, electric yellows, a jewel, a chocolate, a severum, an EBJD, a blue acara, a . These gorgeous, large cichlids are found in the South and Central areas of South America, Columbia, Trinidad, and Venezuela. They can be considered mid-range fish and are suitable for your average or large-sized tank. Theyre found in tanks, The Dojo Loach (aka Weather Loach or Pond Loach) is one of our all-time favorite freshwater species. Electric Blue Hap. They are playful and like engaging with one another and their tankmates. Its possible that they will create a pit in the substrate where they will move the fry once hatched. In the end, though, most hobbyists only keep one pair due to males becoming aggressive towards each other. Their dorsal fin starts about a quarter of the way back from the front of their body and extends all the way back to the start of their caudal fin. Their peaceful nature means that theyll get along with most other fish in a community tank and will avoid starting trouble whenever possible. It is tall, with a 75-gallon footprint. Lastly, external stressors such as hammering or loud noises can stress fish. Otherwise, electric blues can be kept in a community tank setting as long as small fish species are able to find protection in size, a school, or in decorations. Dont be mistaken by the popularity of dwarf South American cichlids. Start by gathering everything you need to set up your tank: 1. Plants and vegetation are frequently floating on the surface of the bodies of water that electric blue acara inhabit. Their caudal fin is symmetrical and about as tall from top to bottom as their body. These fish are extremely hardy and easy to care for, making them a good choice for a novice hobbyist. The problem is the tank dimension , normally a 55 gallon is very good option for cichlids because of its 48" in length. Once mature, the best pair may be picked. The electric blue acara is a hardy fish that generally adapts to most aquarium water conditions. Tank Setup: Amazone biotope tank with plenty of leaf litter and wood. They are tropical fish and need a tropical water temperature between 74 F to 82 F. A weekly or biweekly 15 to 25% water change should be performed to keep nitrates low and to keep water quality up. Another symptom is difficulty breathing, which causes the fish to start breathing rapidly. While you might have a perfect aquarium setup in mind for your new electric blue acara, your fish might have other plans. A: A 75 gallon tank can comfortably accommodate 6-9 Electric Blue Acaras, following the rule of 1 fish . This fascinating color palette also belongs to some incredible species, as you'll see here on our list of the top 12 blue . 5. These fish can grow up to 6 inches long and boast shimmery blue bodies in terms of appearance. Thanks for the help. Read this care guide to learn how you can help yours thrive! If at all feasible, keep the temperature at 76F. During this time, males will become especially aggressive towards other tank mates, though wont usually injure or kill them. Water hardness: The ideal degree of water hardness ranges between 3Dh-20Dh. Its body shape is somewhat oval, and since it is a stocky fish, it looks plump and robust. As mentioned before, electric blue acara can be kept with a variety of live plants. It usually takes just a few days after fertilization for them to hatch! A: As a general rule, it is recommended to have 1 Electric Blue Acara per every 10-15 gallons of water, so a 55 gallon tank can comfortably accommodate 4-6 Electric Blue Acaras. Once everything is all set up its time to begin breeding your Electric Blue Acara. My Electric blue has a fin that is completely torn up. The Electric Blue Acara is a vibrantly colored freshwater fish that is bound to liven up most aquarium setups. Still, these fish are susceptible to freshwater ich and skin flukes. When ready, the female will lay her eggs on flat rocks or other accessible surfaces throughout the aquarium. Even as adults, these physical differences can be hard to see. When choosing tank mates for your acaras, use your best judgment. The Electric Blue Acara reaches 6-7 inches in length in adulthood. They have also been documented in several other countries as nonnatives, but little documentation of their range exists. Hey everyone, I have a 75 gallon with 2 EBA's and one L200 at the moment. Electric blue acaras do well with a hang on the back or canister filter. It is an aggressive fish and is knon for being a good fighter. What sets the Blue Acara apart is its remarkably vibrant coloration. That said, its best to avoid keeping shrimp or very small fish species with Acaras, as these little guys will most likely become lunch. M. For each additional acara, add 15 gallons. Also, youll need to rinse the filter media in tank water to remove any sludge and replace the cartridges when necessary. Some even create breeding pits where they spawn, including the electric blue acara. The name; balloon Molly truly justifies the appearance of this fish as their bellies are round and swollen with arched backs and extended dorsal fins. So for the 75 gallon with a pleco you would want a filter or combo of filters that turn over about 1800 gallons per hour. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Red flags to watch out for include lethargy, loss of appetite, and general disinterest in their surroundings. Electric blues will likely claim a piece of this real estate for themselves and guard it against other tank mates, though usually in a passive manner. This can go a long way in keeping them happy and providing comfort and enrichment. These beautiful fish are vibrant in coloration and behavior and are some of the easiest cichlids to breed. The andinoacara pulcher is easy to care for, but like any other fish it has its preferences. Like other cichlids, electric blues will rearrange the tank to how they like it, especially during spawning periods. One other fact about Balloon Molly fish is they are truly man-made and a result of selective breeding to have scoliosis. To help prevent any possible aggression from this otherwise peaceful fish, a larger tank will allow for more space between tank mates. FLOWERHORN CICHLID 1" Bonsai Flowerhorn F Mixed . Of course, there are some species that one should not keep with electric blue acaras. Almost all cichlids love to burrow in the sand. No. Not only do they look amazing, but theyre a breeze to care for as well! Although oscars are known for being violent, you can house them alongside adult electric blue acara. Electric Blue Acara/ Blue Acara aggression Watch our video on the rules of this forum. If you have any rooted plants this might cause an issue because these little fish can uproot them on occasion. While electric blue acaras arent schooling fish, they definitely prefer to be in groups with their own kind. Electric Blue Acara Care. All in all, the electric blue acara has very basic cichlid care requirements. . Electric Blue Acaras readily form pairs and will regularly breed in a home tank setting, diligently caring for their fry without becoming overly aggressive toward other aquarium residents. This is quite common but its worth being aware of. 1 Pair Live Juvenile Electric Blue Acara Premium Freshwater Tropical Fish A+++ $69.99. Electric Blue Acara Behavior and Temperament. So, you can probably house ten African cichlids in a 55-gallon tank. Aquarium Store Depotis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Combining the two species can result in a colorful and attractive community tank. Water temperature: The temperature range required for the water environment of electric blue acara is 68-82F. Add some oxygen to the mix. This allows for ASD to promote items that are more effective to promote via Amazon versus selling on this site due to shipping costs, the vendor's choice to only carry through Amazon, or order minimums. Set the water temperature to 75F (24C), the pH between 6.5 to 7.0, and the hardness between 3 to 12 dGH. They eat the same meals and require the same level of attention. If you love fish-keeping, you're probably just as fascinated by the natural world as we are, so today we're going to dive into the weird and wonderful world of fish with big eyes! Peaceful fish that are similar in size is the safest combination (although there are exceptions to the rule when it comes to size). A tank of this size will weigh a lot more than smaller tanks, especially when filled. The Python is a mainstay in the fish hobby. The following are some examples: Tankmates give color to the aquarium and can help you create a vibrant community tank. The Electric Blue Acara is a freshwater fish that is becoming more and more popular in the aquarist community. Electric blue acaras should not be kept with African blood-parrot cichlids because these fish are known to chase acaras out of the aquarium. While a hybrid, the electric blue acara is still regarded as the Andinoacara pulcher species. This condition can cause the fish to lose color, become unhappy, and be lethargic, in addition to the skin damage. Starting at the front of their dorsal fin and extending down to their upper lip is a dark grey patch devoid of any blue. Caring for blue andinoacara pulcher cichlids isnt very hard, and the electric blue acara is one of theeasiest fish to keepand requires very little care. Option 2 -. Growth and Development. . Place an upturned saucer on the substrate. Balloon Molly fish is a unique freshwater fish that are bred extremely short and round. These fish are like your typical sucker fish but with more of a coolness factor, and they are smaller to boot. Electric blue acara is a great fish for beginners, as it requires a tank of average size, quite average care, and nothing out of the ordinary. Freshwater diseases affect electric blue acaras due to inadequate food and bad water conditions. They spend time with one another and create lifelong bonds with their partners. It has fins of the same color and a dorsal fin that swims seamlessly through the water. The top edge of their dorsal fin has a vibrant yellow/orange line that really stands out. Once they have started, they are likely to continue as long as water quality and other tank conditions are met. Mature males have a longer and more pointed dorsal fin while females typically have smaller fins overall. Theyre very eager to explore and will often root around and investigate different areas of your tank. Fill your aquarium with untreated tap water, pouring it over the saucer so that the flow doesnt dislodge the substrate. The parent electric blues will be ready to mate again in a matter of weeks. Other hobbyists keep only electric blue acaras in their tanks and let them breed. The average Electric Blue Acara lifespan is between 8-10 years in captivity. These freshwater fish are not dwarf cichlids and cannot be kept in nano tank conditions! The electric blue acara may not occur in the wild, but its closest relative, the blue acara, does. The best numbers to shoot for are either two Electric Blue Acara with each other, or 6,8,10, etc. 36 gal Planted Swordtail community. But its the green horizontal lines on the fishs face and the bluish-green, metallic scales that give the creature its stunning electric blue color. For most fish, a pace of 0.5 pH changes per 4872 hours should be enough; however, the slower the shift, the safer it is. Read on to learn more about this active fish. Although the Blue Acara does occasionally visit the surface of the aquarium, fish that are hanging from the surface are generally sick. ), Why Is My Ghost Shrimp Turning White? It is a member of the cichlid family and can grow to be up to 10 inches in length. The electric blue acara is a freshwater species of cichlid. Their lifespan can be impacted by the usual factors that affect any fish. These fish are a flash of brilliant light in the aquarium with their bright blue bodies! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Cichlids like the electric blue acara are omnivores, but they favor a meat-based diet high in protein. On the flip side, I dont recommend very large or aggressive species either, as they may harass and stress the Acaras. Quarantine affected individuals; dose water with an over-the-counter antibacterial treatment. Ensure the substrate is not hard, or the fishes will cut or scrape themselves. Failure to do so will result in catastrophic health consequences. When housed with electric blue acara, rainbowfish are bright and appealing. It is heavily planted, which gives plenty of hiding places and sight breaks. In this guide, well provide everything you need to know about keeping electric blue acaras healthy and happy. I have 4 electric blue acaras & rainbow cichlid in my 75 gallon without any issue. This means youll need to feed them enough protein-rich food to satisfy their nutritional requirements. The electric blue acara can also be afflicted with skin flukes. The flatter the better! Minimum Tank Size: Thirty gallons is the minimum, but I like to see adult angelfish in 55-gallon tanks or larger. Their size can be influenced by the quality of their care, but also the location in which they come from. Almost any event that causes changes in habitat or a disturbance in routine and behavior can produce stress. During spawning times, electric blue acara will become noticeably more aggressive and territorial. If youre looking for a beautiful and easy aquarium fish to care for we highly recommend the Electric Blue Acara. Unlike other similar South American cichlids that are mouth brooders, the electric blue acara is an egg layer that displays excellent parental care. Very small fish is also a bad idea as it could, unfortunately, be confused with live food. You should stick to feeding a quality brand of fish food for your cichlid fish to stay healthy and live a long life. Significantly smaller fish (like neon tetra) can also bring out some aggression in this fish too, so steer clear of them if possible. Live plants will need trimming to prevent overgrowth and remove dead leaves and damaged stems. At the same time as the water change, the substrate should be vacuumed to remove uneaten food and other wastes that might have accumulated. Infected fish will develop white spots on their bodies, which they will try to scrape off with their claws on any hard surfaces in the tank. So, every week you must carry out partial water changes to remove excess ammonia and nitrites and to keep nitrate levels down. This filter should be rated for at least 2x the size of the tank as these are relatively big fish. On the other hand, electric blue acara is a resilient species of fish. Betta Fish Tank Ideas Unique, Cute And Cool Designs, Best Places To Buy Goldfish For Sale Online, 13 Awesome Freshwater Aquarium Sharks to Enhance Your Underwater World, Aquarium Light VS Grow Light Know Which One To Choose. Gouramis have always been a popular choice for community tanks. For many years, the Electric Blue Acara has been an extremely popular choice for those with a South American cichlid aquarium. A long tank also has more surface area than a tall one, which makes for the greater oxygenation that this fish species prefers. Because gas exchange occurs at the waters surface, disrupting it with a stream of bubbles to increase the oxygen content of the water. Scan this QR code to download the app now. These aquarium fish will do best on a sandy substrate where they are free to change their surroundings based on their own preferences. If you can find a dark-colored substrate, that will help to really show off the fishes stunning, metallic coloration to the best effect. Pretty much anything peaceful that can thrive with similar water parameters is possible. Electric blue acaras can successfully be kept with live plants, but only species that mind being uprooted from time to time. The electric blue acara is a man-made variation of the regular blue acara and it is a cichlid that belongs to theCichlidae family. Temperament: Semi-Aggressive. 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