The Electric Blue Acara, Andinoacara pulcher (formerly known as Aequidens pulcher) is a remarkable hybrid that is man-made, specifically derived from the Blue Acara species. So unlike its wild counterparts, this vibrant aquatic beauty is not found naturally in nature. Its striking body showcases a spectrum of blue hues, often garnished with a captivating gold or yellow shimmer that becomes even more pronounced when illuminated by appropriate aquarium lighting. With its distinct orange-red eyes, large black pupils, and a vibrant orange strip along the dorsal fin, the Electric Blue Acara effortlessly captivates any observer. Moreover, its peaceful nature and easy care requirements make it a very popular choice among aquarium hobbyists.
A male EAB, notice the elongated and pointy dorsal fin
To properly house some Electric Blue Acaras, I would recommend you provide them with a medium to large-sized planted aquarium. For a pair of EBAs, a minimum tank capacity of 40 gallons is what I would recommend, with an additional 15 gallons per additional EBA after that. These fish possess a penchant for digging, so a soft, non-abrasive substrate such as fine sand is ideal. They not only appreciate the presence of plants but also caves and hiding spaces created by driftwood and plants for exploration and shelter.
Characterized by a short and stocky build, the Electric Blue Acara can grow to sizes of up to 7 inches, although most individuals typically reach between 5 and 6 inches. Males tend to be longer and slimmer compared to their female counterparts, and males have longer and more pointed dorsal and anal fins. The dorsal fin on my male trails back past the end of his tail.
Male Electric Blue Acara fertilizing freshly laid eggs
What should make this fish even more appealing to enthusiasts is its impressive longevity. Under proper conditions, these vibrant creatures can live up to 20 years. As a testament to their hardiness, many hobbyists report successful breeding experiences with pairs that have been in their care for over a decade. I myself have a pair I’ve been keeping and breeding for over 7 years now and they are still going strong after gifting me thousands of babies already.
Another fascinating aspect of the Electric Blue Acara is its monogamous mating behavior. Once a pair forms a bond, they remain mates for life, which allows for continuous breeding opportunities for many years. Breeding usually begins with the male performing a dance to attract the female’s attention — I call it the “EBA Shimmy.” Once the pair is ready, they seek out a clean, flat surface, often a large rock, on which the female lays her eggs for the male to fertilize. On average, a female Electric Blue Acara will lay between 150 and 300 eggs, which the male promptly fertilizes.
The pair exhibits commendable dedication and ferocity in protecting their precious clutch of eggs. For the next 48 to 72 hours, the male and female take turns guarding the eggs. After this period, the eggs begin to hatch, and the parents shift their focus to safeguarding the newly emerged fry. This protective behavior continues for an additional 3 to 4 days until the fry develop into free-swimming juveniles. Still, for about 2 more weeks, the parents diligently provide food and protection for their offspring, making the fish exceptionally easy to breed and raise during their infancy stage, even in a community setting.
A female Electric Blue Acara protecting newly hatched fry.
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