Aequidens pulcher

Common Names:

Blue Acara

Synonyms:

Aequidens pulchrus
Cychlasoma pulchrum

Family:

Cichlidae

Category:

Cichlids

Distribution:

America - South; Northern South America.

Main Ecosystem:

River; River

Temperament:

Territorial; Variable. Dependant on compatible stocking. Combined with other species of similar temperament this fish will settle terrotorial disputes with small squabbles and lip-locking. Smaller fish may be eaten, the Blue Acara is a natural predator of the guppy. Conspecifics and other similar sized fish may be victimised during breeding. Non-cichlid species may suffer bites if not brusque enough for an effective self defence. Suitable for large cichlid community, and non-cichlid communities only with care. Not the most aggressive of cichlid species, but more than capable of dominating an aquarium.

Diet:

Ominvore; Omnivore with strong carnivorous preferences, especially as regards soft, wormy, and meaty foods, can and will eat from a whole range of food sources. Most foods are considered.

Care:

Feed worms, small crushed snails, and frozen bloodworms for best health. The Blue Acara may accept flakes but will not reach full colour on flakes alone. This is one of the hardiest cichlids available and will accept a wide range of water conditions. The Blue Acara has no special water requirements.

pH:

6.5 - 8

Temperature:

20°C - 26°C

68°F - 79°F

Hardness:

10 dH - 20 dH

Potential Size:

Male: 15cm (5.9")
Female: 15cm (5.9")

Water Region:

Middle, Bottom; Middle-Bottom

Activity:

Diurnal; Diurnal

Gender:

Mature males dorsal and anal fins are elongated and pointed. A female is pictured above.

Breeding:

A higher temperature of 25°C with a slightly acidic (6.7) pH. Small, frequent water changes of aged or rain water added slowly at a temperature slightly lower than the water temperature may instigate breeding activity. The parents must be well fed on a variety of live or frozen foods. Do not remove the parents after spawning. Add a one-third dose of triple sulphur to combat fungus.

Females will spawn on virtually any suface from large leaved plants to bogwood and stones,even glass, but the preference is always for surfaces in a near vertical position. If given correct substrates like fine gravel, the couple will dig pits in which to corral the young. Both parents will occasionaly pick up errant fry and wash them in the mouth and spit them back into the pit should they stray to far.

This is nothing to worry about , even though it is sometimes a little indelicate. Do not perform water changes during the egg laying and hatching period, as the eggs are easily damaged by temperature fluctuations within the 3 to 5 days it takes them to hatch. Perform water changes prior to laying, as soon as the parents are witnessed cleaning surfaces in readiness, then you can give yourself 2 weeks or so while the delicate eggs and fry develop without disturbing them or risking their health.

Check pits for tiny ,almost microscopic fry before assuming the couple have eaten the eggs, they will often clean up the remains of eggs after hatching. The young do well on liquifry for the first few days, and can then be given brineshrimp cysts, and tiny granular foods ground in a pestle and mortar.

Variants:

Comments:

An excellent cichlid for beginners.

Main Colours:

Black, Blue

Markings:

Striped And Spotted

Mouth:

Normal

Tail:

Flat

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