20 Best Blue Acara Tank Mates
Blue Acara tank mates are fish species that can comfortably coexist together, living harmoniously in the same aquarium with the Blue Acara fish (Andinoacara pulcher). These fish have a high compatibility rating with Blue Acaras, making them ideal companions for your home aquarium.
When it comes to selecting tank mates for your Blue Acara, it’s essential to consider compatibility, tank size, care level, temperament, diet and feeding, and adult size.
Angelfish
Angelfish are freshwater fish native to South America and are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to their striking appearance and graceful movements. When considering them as tank mates for Blue Acara, they have various similarities that make them suitable companions.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gal (114 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, requires a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm) in body length and 8 inches (20 cm) in height
It’s worth noting that while Angelfish are generally peaceful, they can become territorial during breeding. Make sure to provide enough hiding spots and plants in the aquarium to minimize potential conflicts between your Angelfish and Blue Acara.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish are small, active, and peaceful fish that come in various colors and patterns. As scavengers, they help keep the aquarium clean by consuming leftover food and algae. Their social nature and compatibility with other species make them a great option for Blue Acara tank mates.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gal (76 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, enjoys a diet of sinking pellets, wafers, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm)
When keeping Corydoras Catfish with Blue Acaras, ensure there is enough space on the tank floor for the catfish to explore and search for food comfortably. Ideally, Corydoras should be kept in groups of six or more to thrive in your aquarium.
Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish are small, colorful, and active fish that are native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Their schooling nature and peaceful temperament make them excellent tank mates for Blue Acara. They prefer a planted aquarium with open swimming areas.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gal (114 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, prefers a diet of high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
When keeping Rainbowfish with Blue Acara, ensure that the tank is spacious enough for the Rainbowfish to swim freely in schools. They should be kept in groups of at least six to encourage natural schooling behavior and ensure their well-being in your aquarium.
Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose Plecos are a popular choice among aquarists for their distinct appearance, peaceful temperament, and excellent algae-eating abilities, making them perfect tank mates for Blue Acara. They are native to South America and require hiding spots in the form of caves and crevices within the aquarium.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gal (114 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivore, enjoys a diet of algae wafers, vegetables (such as cucumbers and zucchini), and occasional live or frozen foods like bloodworms
- Adult Size: Up to 5 inches (12.5 cm)
When housing Bristlenose Plecos with Blue Acaras, make sure there is enough space at the tank floor for the pleco to move around and ample hiding spots to feel secure. It is advised to provide some driftwood in the tank, as they tend to rasp on it, helping their digestion.
Severum Cichlid
Severum Cichlids are large, attractive fish found in the Amazon Basin. They are a great choice as tank mates for Blue Acara due to their similar size and temperament. However, they might display territorial behavior during breeding, so providing plenty of hiding spots is essential.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 55 gal (208 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, requires a balanced diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia
- Adult Size: Up to 8 inches (20 cm)
When keeping Severum Cichlids with Blue Acaras, it is crucial to ensure a spacious and well-decorated tank with various plantations and hiding spots. This will help establish territories and reduce chances of aggression between the fish.
Zebra Loach
Zebra Loaches are colorful, slender-bodied fish native to India. They are known for their striking zebra-like stripes, making them an attractive addition to any aquarium. As bottom dwellers and social fish, they are great tank mates for Blue Acaras.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gal (114 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, enjoys a diet of sinking pellets, wafers, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
When housing Zebra Loaches with Blue Acaras, it’s essential to provide hiding spots at the bottom of the tank, such as caves or crevices. Also, maintain good water quality and keep the tank at a stable temperature, as Zebra Loaches are sensitive to fluctuations in water conditions. It’s recommended to keep them in groups of at least six to ensure their well-being in the aquarium.
Congo Tetra
Congo Tetras are beautiful, schooling fish native to the Congo River Basin in Africa. Their striking iridescent colors, elongated fins, and peaceful nature make them an excellent choice as tank mates for Blue Acaras.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gal (114 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, requires a varied diet of high-quality flakes, small pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia
- Adult Size: Up to 3.5 inches (9 cm)
When keeping Congo Tetras with Blue Acaras, it’s important to ensure a spacious, well-planted tank that allows the tetras to swim in schools comfortably. Since Congo Tetras are a schooling fish, they should be kept in groups of at least six to support their confidence and overall well-being in the aquarium. Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish that might nip their delicate fins.
Gouramis
Gouramis are colorful, diverse fish native to Asia, with various size and temperaments to choose from. Their labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe air from the water’s surface, makes them unique. Gouramis can be good tank mates for Blue Acaras, depending on the specific species.
- Compatibility: 3-5/5 (depending on species)
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gal (114 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, enjoys a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm) depending on species
When selecting Gouramis as tank mates for Blue Acaras, opt for larger and more peaceful species, such as Pearl Gouramis or Blue Gouramis. Provide ample plants and hiding spots to reduce stress and create territories in your aquarium. Smaller gourami species can be a target for the more aggressive Blue Acaras.
Firemouth Cichlid
Firemouth Cichlids are a Central American species, known for their vibrant red coloration around the throat and belly areas. They make good tank mates for Blue Acaras, as they share similar water conditions, size, and temperament.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gal (114 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, enjoys a balanced diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
When housing Firemouth Cichlids with Blue Acaras, provide a spacious tank with sufficient hiding places such as caves, rocks, and plants. This will help reduce the chances of territorial disputes. It’s essential to monitor aggression levels and provide ample space for each fish to establish its territory within the tank.
Silver Dollars
Silver Dollars are round, flat-shaped fish native to South America, closely related to Piranhas and Pacus. Their social nature and predominantly herbivorous diet make them excellent tank mates for Blue Acaras.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 75 gal (284 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivore, prefers a diet of high-quality flakes, pellets with a high vegetable content, and plant-based foods such as lettuce and spinach
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
When keeping Silver Dollars with Blue Acaras, ensure that the tank is spacious enough for their schooling nature and swimming habits. Provide plenty of live plants but be prepared for them to nibble on the plants, as it is a part of their natural behavior. Keep them in groups of at least six for their well-being and socialization.
Golden Barbs
Golden Barbs are small, brightly colored freshwater fish native to South Asia. Their peaceful, schooling nature and adaptability to a range of water conditions make them a suitable tank mate for Blue Acaras.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gal (114 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, requires a varied diet of high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Adult Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm)
When housing Golden Barbs with Blue Acaras, make sure the tank is spacious and well-planted, allowing them to swim freely in schools. Keep them in groups of at least six to promote their social behavior and well-being. Occasionally, Blue Acaras may chase smaller fish, so monitor their interaction to ensure a harmonious tank environment.
Mollies
Mollies are small, adaptable fish native to North and South America. They are available in various colors and sizes, making them a popular choice among aquarists. These peaceful fish can be suitable tank mates for Blue Acaras.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gal (76 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys a diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm) depending on the species
When keeping Mollies with Blue Acaras, ensure a spacious tank with plenty of plants and hiding spots for the mollies to explore. Be cautious about possible aggression from Blue Acaras towards smaller tank mates, and monitor their interactions to maintain a peaceful aquarium environment.
Pictus Catfish
Pictus Catfish are active, whiskered fish native to South America. Their eye-catching appearance, characterized by their slender body and long barbels, makes them an attractive addition to the aquarium. These fish can be excellent tank mates for Blue Acaras.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 55 gal (208 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful but active
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivore; enjoys a diet of sinking pellets, frozen, or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small crustaceans
- Adult Size: Up to 5 inches (12.5 cm)
When housing Pictus Catfish with Blue Acaras, make sure your tank has a soft sandy substrate and plenty of hiding spots for the catfish to roam and hide. It’s essential to have a secure lid on the tank, as Pictus Catfish are known to be skilled jumpers. Monitor their interactions with smaller tank mates, as their hunting instincts may occasionally kick in.
Denison’s Barb
Denison’s Barb, also known as the Red-line Torpedo Barb, is a striking and active schooling fish native to India. Their unique appearance, along with their peaceful behavior, makes them suitable tank mates for Blue Acaras.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 55 gal (208 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys a balanced diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
When keeping Denison’s Barb with Blue Acaras, provide a spacious tank with plenty of swimming areas and hiding spots. Keep them in groups of at least six to encourage their schooling behavior and overall well-being. Given their size and energy, they are less likely to be harassed by Blue Acaras.
Electric Blue Ram
Electric Blue Ram, also known as the Blue Ram, is a striking, colorful dwarf cichlid originating from South America. Their small size, beautiful coloration, and peaceful nature make them an attractive tank mate for Blue Acaras.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gal (114 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia
- Adult Size: Up to 2.8 inches (7 cm)
When keeping Electric Blue Ram with Blue Acaras, provide a well-planted tank with hiding spots and open swimming areas. Be mindful of their small size and avoid housing them with aggressive or much larger fish, as it may cause stress and affect their well-being. Monitor interactions to ensure a harmonious environment.
Swordtails
Swordtails are popular, livebearing fish native to North and Central America, named after the elongated lower fin found on males. Their hardy nature, adaptability, and peaceful temperament make them ideal tank mates for Blue Acaras.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 29 gal (110 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys a diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
When housing Swordtails with Blue Acaras, provide a spacious, well-planted tank with open swimming areas. It’s essential to maintain a stable water temperature and quality, as Swordtails may become susceptible to diseases in poor water conditions. Keep a close watch on their interactions with other fish to maintain harmony in your aquarium.
Geophagus Cichlid
Geophagus Cichlids, or Eartheaters, are a diverse group of South American cichlids known for their unique method of sifting through the substrate to find food. Their peaceful demeanor and similar size to Blue Acaras make them ideal tank mates.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 55 gal (208 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; requires a varied diet of sinking pellets, live, or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia
- Adult Size: Up to 10 inches (25 cm) depending on species
When keeping Geophagus Cichlids with Blue Acaras, provide a spacious tank with a sandy substrate and plenty of hiding spots such as rocks and plants. Monitor their interactions closely, as both fish may dig and rearrange the tank, causing stress to other tank inhabitants.
Blood Parrot Cichlid
Blood Parrot Cichlids are an interesting, human-created hybrid cichlid that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. Their unique appearance, which includes a round body and a beak-like mouth, make them a distinctive addition to the aquarium. Their peaceful nature and compatibility with other cichlids make them suitable tank mates for Blue Acaras.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 55 gal (208 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys a diet of high-quality pellets, live, or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: Up to 8 inches (20 cm)
When housing Blood Parrot Cichlids with Blue Acaras, provide a well-decorated tank with numerous hiding spots and stable water parameters. Monitor their interactions to ensure that any potential aggression is minimized and a harmonious environment is maintained.
Clown Loach
Clown Loaches are highly sought-after fish native to Southeast Asia, known for their vibrant colors and bold, black stripes. Their active, social nature and peaceful temperament make them great tank mates for Blue Acaras.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 75 gal (284 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; prefers a diet of sinking pellets, live, or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and snails
- Adult Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
When keeping Clown Loaches with Blue Acaras, provide a spacious tank with a soft, sandy substrate and hiding spots like caves, rocks, and plants. Since Clown Loaches can grow quite large, it’s essential to ensure the tank size can accommodate their growth. They are social fish, so keep them in groups of at least five for their well-being. Monitor the interactions between the fish to ensure a harmonious and stress-free environment.
Uaru Cichlid
Uaru Cichlids, also known as Triangle Cichlids, are native to the Amazon River Basin. These fascinating fish are primarily herbivores, which contributes to their peaceful demeanor. Their compatibility with other cichlids, like Blue Acaras, makes them an excellent tank mate choice.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 75 gal (284 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivore; enjoys a diet of high-quality pellets, vegetables, and occasional live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: Up to 10 inches (25 cm)
When housing Uaru Cichlids with Blue Acaras, provide a spacious, well-planted tank with hiding spots, such as caves or rocks. Although they are generally peaceful, they may display territorial behavior, so ensuring each fish has its designated space will help maintain a harmonious environment. Monitor interactions and be proactive in managing any aggression between tank inhabitants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Blue Acara tank mates offer a diverse range of options to create a harmonious and visually stunning aquatic environment. Keep in mind each species’ requirements and compatibility to ensure a healthy and peaceful aquarium. Feel free to share your experiences and leave a comment below!
