Blue acara

The blue acara (Andinoacara pulcher) is a freshwater cichlid of the family Cichlidae, native to slow-moving waters of northern South America, including Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad. It has a stocky grey-blue body covered in rows of iridescent blue-green spots and streaks across the face and flanks, with fins edged in similar shimmer. It is a relatively peaceful cichlid for its size but becomes territorial when breeding. A single specimen or a compatible pair works well with other robust, medium-sized fish. A spacious aquarium with a sandy substrate, rockwork, driftwood, and some hardy plants suits it, with neutral, moderately soft to hard water. It is an omnivore accepting pellets, and live or frozen foods such as worms and shrimp. It is hardy and forgiving, making it a good first cichlid. It is an open substrate spawner, and pairs are devoted parents that guard eggs and fry.