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Blue acara (Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus) — Cichlidae

Blue acara

Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Blue acara (Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
14.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The blue acara is a colourful cichlid from Central America (Panama and Costa Rica). The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky body studded with shining blue-green spots and streaks on head and flanks. It inhabits stagnant waters and shallow parts of smaller rivers with much organic material on the bottom. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for insect larvae, worms, small crustaceans and plant matter. Cichlids form pairs and show intensive brood care, with both parents guarding the eggs and young. The blue acara is popular in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue acara?

The Blue acara has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Blue acara live?

The Blue acara lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Blue acara get?

The Blue acara grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Blue acara dangerous to humans?

No, the Blue acara is harmless to humans.

Is the Blue acara edible?

The Blue acara is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwe acara sourced
English name
Blue acara sourced
Scientific name
Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Andinoacara

More from the family Cichlidae

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