Neon Blue Acara 5cm – Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher)

Add brilliant colour and personality to your freshwater aquarium with the Neon Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher). Also known as the Electric Blue Acara, this striking South American Cichlid is admired for its shimmering blue and turquoise colouration, confident behaviour and generally peaceful temperament compared with many larger Cichlids.

A selectively bred colour form of the Blue Acara, the Neon Blue Acara develops increasingly impressive metallic colouration as it matures. Its attractive appearance and engaging personality make it an excellent centrepiece fish for a suitably sized tropical aquarium.

Our Neon Blue Acaras are supplied at approximately 5cm, making them an ideal size to grow into your established aquarium.

Neon Blue Acara – Fish Profile

• Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher (formerly Aequidens pulcher)
• Common Names: Neon Blue Acara, Electric Blue Acara
• Family: Cichlidae
• Size Supplied: Approximately 5cm
• Adult Size: Approximately 15–16cm
• Temperament: Relatively peaceful for a Cichlid; territorial during breeding
• Care Level: Easy to moderate
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• General Hardness: Approximately 5–25 dGH
• Recommended Aquarium: At least 120cm long for an adult pair, with larger aquariums preferred for communities
• Diet: Omnivorous, with a preference for protein-rich foods
• Swimming Level: Middle to lower levels
• Origin: Captive-bred colour form of a South American species

Brilliant Electric Blue Colouration

The Neon Blue Acara is especially popular for its vibrant metallic-blue appearance. Depending on the individual, lighting and age, the body can display beautiful shades of electric blue, turquoise and green-blue.

Young fish may initially show less intense colour than fully grown adults. As they mature and settle into a healthy aquarium, their appearance can become even more impressive.

Beyond their colour, Neon Blue Acaras are interactive fish. They regularly explore their surroundings and often become responsive to their keeper during feeding time.

Aquarium Setup and Care

Neon Blue Acaras thrive in well-established freshwater aquariums with good filtration, stable water conditions and plenty of room to swim.

For an adult pair, an aquarium measuring at least 120cm in length is recommended. Larger aquariums are preferable when keeping them with other Cichlids or community fish.

Create a comfortable environment using:

• Fine sand or smooth aquarium gravel
• Driftwood, rocks and sheltered hiding places
• Open swimming areas
• Hardy aquarium plants where suitable
• Efficient biological filtration
• Regular partial water changes

Neon Blue Acaras may rearrange substrate, particularly when preparing to breed. Secure plants carefully or choose varieties that can be attached to rocks and driftwood.

Explore our aquascaping supplies and live aquarium plants to create an attractive, natural-looking aquarium.

Neon Blue Acara Tank Mates

Despite belonging to the Cichlid family, Neon Blue Acaras are generally less aggressive than many similarly sized American Cichlids. They can be suitable for carefully planned community aquariums with fish of a compatible size and temperament.

Potential tank mates include:

• Medium-sized peaceful Tetras
• Rainbowfish with compatible water requirements
• Suitable Bristlenose Plecos and other robust catfish
• Other relatively peaceful American Cichlids in sufficiently spacious aquariums

Avoid very small fish that could be swallowed, aggressive or highly territorial species, and fish that require substantially different water conditions.

Although relatively peaceful, breeding pairs can become territorial and may defend their chosen spawning area against other aquarium inhabitants.

For additional options, browse our American Cichlids and live aquarium fish collections.

Feeding Neon Blue Acaras

Neon Blue Acaras are enthusiastic feeders that readily accept a variety of aquarium foods.

A high-quality Cichlid pellet should form the basis of their diet, supplemented with suitable frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms and other appropriate invertebrate-based foods.

Offer appropriately sized portions once or twice daily, adjusting feeding amounts according to the fish's size and appetite. A varied diet helps support healthy development and vibrant colouration.

Browse our aquarium fish food range for everyday feeding options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Neon Blue Acaras grow?

Neon Blue Acaras generally reach around 15–16cm as adults. The fish offered here are approximately 5cm and will require a suitably sized aquarium as they mature.

Are Neon Blue Acaras aggressive?

Neon Blue Acaras are generally peaceful compared with many other medium-sized Cichlids. However, they can become territorial when breeding or competing for space, particularly in smaller aquariums.

What size tank does a Neon Blue Acara need?

An aquarium at least 120cm long is recommended for an adult pair, with larger tanks preferred when housing them alongside other fish. Adequate floor space, hiding places and effective filtration are important.

Can Neon Blue Acaras live with other fish?

Yes. Neon Blue Acaras can live with appropriately sized, peaceful to moderately robust community fish. Avoid very small species that may be eaten and aggressive fish that could cause territorial disputes.

What do Neon Blue Acaras eat?

Neon Blue Acaras accept quality Cichlid pellets, granules and suitable frozen or live foods. A varied diet containing appropriate protein sources supports healthy growth and condition.

What is the difference between Neon Blue Acara and Electric Blue Acara?

The names Neon Blue Acara and Electric Blue Acara are often used interchangeably in the aquarium trade for selectively bred blue forms of the Blue Acara. The accepted scientific name for the species is Andinoacara pulcher, although older listings may use Aequidens pulcher.

Buy Neon Blue Acara 5cm Online in Australia

Bring a stunning splash of electric blue to your freshwater aquarium with a Neon Blue Acara 5cm from Aquaholics Online.

Based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Aquaholics supplies live aquarium fish to eligible destinations across Australia. Livestock orders are packed using specialised transport methods, with delivery subject to weather conditions, regional restrictions and livestock availability.

Whether you're building a South American Cichlid aquarium or looking for an eye-catching feature fish, the Neon Blue Acara offers a fantastic combination of colour, personality and interesting behaviour.