| Blue acara | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Subfamily: | Cichlasomatinae |
| Genus: | Aequidens |
| Species: | A. pulcher |
| Binomial name | |
| Aequidens pulcher (Gill, 1858) |
|
The blue acara, Aequidens pulcher[1], is a very colorful freshwater fish in the cichlid family. This fish can be found in Central and South America, from Panama to Colombia. They can reach lengths of 20 centimetres (7.9 in). Its name Aequidens pulcher, is indicative to its looks; pulcher meaning "beautiful." The Blue Acara is a common cichlid sold in many pet stores and they are often confused with or sold as Green Terrors (Andinoacara rivulatus).
The body is stocky and compact with a steel blue-gray coloration. There are noticeable horizontal green lines on their faces and their blueish-green scales give them a sparkling appearance. They also have long flowing fins with a hint of orange to the tips.
Blue Acaras natively live in a tropical climate and prefer water with a pH of 6.5-8.0, a water hardness of 25° dGH, and a water temperature of 22–30 °C (72–86 °F).[2][3]