Neon Blue Acara 4–5cm

The Neon Blue Acara is a stunning freshwater cichlid prized for its brilliant electric-blue colouration, confident personality and relatively peaceful temperament.

A selectively bred colour form of the Blue Acara, Andinoacara pulcher, these fish develop increasingly intense blue and turquoise colour as they mature, making them an impressive centrepiece fish for larger freshwater aquariums.

The fish supplied are approximately 4–5cm in size.

Fish Profile

Common Name: Neon Blue Acara / Electric Blue Acara
Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher
Family: Cichlidae
Current Size: Approximately 4–5cm
Adult Size: Approximately 15–16cm
Temperament: Relatively peaceful for a cichlid; territorial when breeding
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 6.5–8.0
Hardness: 5–25 dGH
Diet: Predominantly carnivorous / opportunistic feeder
Care Level: Easy to moderate
Swimming Level: Mid to lower aquarium
Origin: Northern South America and Trinidad; Neon Blue is a captive-bred colour form

Brilliant Neon Blue Colouration

The Neon Blue Acara develops striking metallic blue and turquoise colour across the body and fins.

Juveniles may not display the full intensity seen in mature fish, with colour generally becoming more pronounced as the fish grows and settles into a healthy aquarium.

Individual colour, pattern and appearance will naturally vary between fish.

Temperament & Tank Mates

Blue Acaras are considered relatively peaceful compared with many similarly sized cichlids.

Suitable tank mates can include:

• Medium-sized peaceful community fish
• Larger tetras
• Rainbowfish
• Corydoras
• Bristlenose and other suitable Loricariid catfish
• Other relatively peaceful cichlids in appropriately sized aquariums

Avoid housing them with very small fish that may eventually be considered food.

Like most cichlids, Neon Blue Acaras can become more territorial when forming pairs and breeding.

Aquarium Size

Although the fish offered are currently only 4–5cm, they should be purchased with their adult size in mind.

For an adult Neon Blue Acara, we recommend an aquarium at least around 100cm long, with larger aquariums preferred for pairs or community setups.

Provide:

• Open swimming space
• Driftwood and rock
• Caves and sheltered areas
• Good filtration
• Stable water quality

Plants can be used, although established cichlids may occasionally disturb loosely rooted plants while exploring or preparing breeding areas.

Feeding Neon Blue Acaras

Neon Blue Acaras are enthusiastic feeders and readily accept a varied aquarium diet.

Suitable foods include:

• Quality cichlid pellets
• High-protein tropical pellets
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Bloodworms
• Mysis
• Chopped prawn or mussel
• Other appropriately sized frozen foods

A varied diet helps support healthy growth, condition and colour.

Avoid relying on a single food type.

Water Parameters

Neon Blue Acaras are adaptable when maintained in stable, clean freshwater conditions.

Recommended parameters:

Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 6.5–8.0
General Hardness: 5–25 dGH

Stable water quality is more important than continually trying to adjust the aquarium to an exact number.

Regular water changes and effective biological filtration are recommended.

Aquarium Setup

A well-planned Neon Blue Acara aquarium should include a combination of open swimming space and defined territories.

Good additions include:

• Driftwood
• Smooth rock
• Caves
• Natural aquarium substrate
• Hardy aquarium plants
• Strong biological filtration

Keep enough open space for adults to swim comfortably.

Breeding

Blue Acaras are substrate-spawning cichlids and can breed readily in aquariums.

A compatible pair will usually select and clean a flat surface before spawning.

Both parents may participate in guarding the eggs and fry, and aggression toward other fish can increase significantly during this period.

If breeding occurs in a community aquarium, provide plenty of space and visual barriers.

Why Choose a Neon Blue Acara?

• Brilliant electric-blue colour
• Attractive centrepiece cichlid
• Generally calmer than many larger American cichlids
• Hardy and adaptable
• Interesting cichlid behaviour
• Can be kept in suitable community setups
• Readily accepts quality aquarium foods
• Excellent choice for larger freshwater displays

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Neon Blue Acaras grow?

Adults generally reach around 15–16cm.

Are Neon Blue Acaras aggressive?

They are relatively peaceful for a cichlid but can defend a territory, particularly when breeding.

Can Neon Blue Acaras live in a community aquarium?

Yes, provided the aquarium is large enough and tank mates are suitably sized and peaceful.

Can Neon Blue Acaras live with small tetras?

Very small fish may eventually be viewed as food. Medium-sized, robust schooling fish are generally safer companions.

What do Neon Blue Acaras eat?

They readily accept quality cichlid pellets and benefit from a varied diet that can include frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms and mysis.

Do Neon Blue Acaras need to be kept in pairs?

No. They can be kept individually. If keeping a pair, provide enough aquarium space for territorial behaviour.

Are Neon Blue Acaras suitable for beginners?

They can be a good introduction to larger cichlids for aquarists who can provide adequate tank space, filtration and stable water quality.

Will a 4–5cm Neon Blue Acara already have full adult colour?

Not necessarily. Juveniles often develop stronger colour as they mature, and individual colour intensity can vary.