Electric Blue Acara

Andinoacara pulcher

Also sold as EBA

Synonyms Blue acara · Aequidens pulcher

Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 15 cm (5.9 in) and swims in open water. It wants 72–82°F (22–28°C) and pH 6.5–8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 144 L (38 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	15 cm (5.9 in)
Minimum tank	144 L (38 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH	6.5–8
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Lifespan	7–10 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Electric Blue Acara needs at least 144 L (38 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 40 Gallon Breeder.
It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 5 cm (2 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Rummy Nose Tetra and Crystal Red Shrimp.
It holds at 72–82°F (22–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
Do not put it with Amano Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp and Crystal Red Shrimp.
It can go wrong with Cardinal Tetra, Celestial Pearl Danio and Chili Rasbora — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
One of them takes up roughly 20% of what a 40 Gallon Breeder will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 144 L (38 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 40 Gallon Breeder.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

72–82°F (22–28°C), pH 6.5–8.

How long does it live?

7–10 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Electric Blue Acara	Blue Gourami	Electric Yellow Lab
Adult size	15 cm	15 cm	10 cm
Min tank	144 L	81 L	154 L
Group	1+	1+	1+
Temperature	72–82°F (22–28°C)	75–86°F (24–30°C)	75–82°F (24–28°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Yes

More livestock

Plan a tank with Electric Blue Acara →

Sources (6) · checked Sep 2026