Har du et bilde? Identifiser fisk umiddelbart med Fishby-appen.
Åpne appenBeskrivelse
The Electric Blue Acara is a selectively bred ornamental variant of the Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher), renowned for its striking iridescent blue coloration. This species belongs to the Cichlidae family, known for its intelligence and complex social behaviors. While the wild-type A. pulcher exhibits a more subdued grey-blue to olive-brown coloration with iridescent scales and a prominent black spot on its flank, the 'Electric Blue' morph has been line-bred to enhance the blue pigmentation across its entire body, often lacking the distinct lateral spot or having it greatly reduced. They are generally robust and relatively peaceful cichlids, making them popular in the aquarium hobby.
Fysiske kjennetegn
- Kroppsform
- compressed
- Farge
- Intense, iridescent electric blue covering the entire body, often with subtle darker vertical barring or a faint lateral spot. Fins are typically blue with iridescent spangling. Some individuals may show red or orange highlights on the fins, particularly the dorsal and caudal.
- Skjelltype
- ctenoid
- Munnposisjon
- terminal
- Særtrekk
- Vibrant, uniform electric blue coloration (selectively bred trait), Relatively deep, laterally compressed body, Large eyes, Slightly pointed snout, Males are generally larger, more colorful, and develop more extended dorsal and anal fin rays, sometimes a nuchal hump.
- Ryggfinne
- Long, continuous dorsal fin extending almost the entire length of the back, with spiny anterior rays and soft posterior rays. Males often have elongated rays.
- Halefinne
- Rounded to slightly truncate caudal fin, often with iridescent spots or stripes.
- Brystfinne
- Fan-shaped, clear to bluish pectoral fins.
- Karakteristiske finner
- Anal fin is similar in structure to the dorsal fin, with spiny anterior rays and soft posterior rays, often elongated in males. Pelvic fins are typically pointed and can be bluish.
Identifikasjonstips
Coloration
The most defining feature is the intense, uniform electric blue color across the entire body, distinguishing it from the more subdued wild-type Blue Acara.
Body Shape
Laterally compressed, deep-bodied cichlid, typical of the genus Andinoacara.
Fin Extension
Males often exhibit elongated dorsal and anal fin rays, which become more pronounced with age and during breeding.
Size
Adults typically reach 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in total length, with males generally larger than females.
Habitat
- Vanntype
- freshwater
- Dybde
- Typically found in shallow to moderate depths, often near the banks of rivers and streams.
- Miljø
- Inhabits slow-moving to moderately flowing rivers, streams, and tributaries, often in areas with dense vegetation, submerged roots, and rocky substrates. They prefer clear to slightly turbid waters with plenty of cover.
- Geografisk utbredelse
- The wild-type Andinoacara pulcher is native to South America, specifically in Trinidad and Tobago, and various river basins in Venezuela (e.g., Orinoco River basin) and Colombia (e.g., Magdalena River basin). The 'Electric Blue' morph is a captive-bred strain and does not exist in the wild.
Akvarieinformasjon
- Stellenivå: beginner
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diett: omnivore
- Minste akvariestørrelse: 75 gallons (280 liters) for a pair, larger for groups or community tanks
- Temperatur: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
- pH-nivå: 6.0-7.5
- Hardhet: 5-15 dGH
- Kompatibilitet: Generally compatible with other similarly sized, peaceful to semi-aggressive community fish. Avoid very small or overly aggressive tank mates. Can be kept in pairs or small groups, but territoriality increases during breeding.
- Spesielle krav: Requires a well-filtered aquarium with stable water parameters. Provide plenty of hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and live plants. A sand or fine gravel substrate is preferred as they enjoy sifting through it. Regular water changes are crucial for their health and vibrant coloration.
Informasjon fra naturen
- Bevaringsstatus: least concern
- Sesong: Breeding can occur year-round in suitable conditions, but in the wild, it often correlates with rainy seasons when food is abundant.
- Markedspris: Varies, typically $15-$40 USD per fish depending on size and quality.
- Kommersiell betydning: high
- Smak: Not typically consumed due to small size and ornamental value.
- Konsistens: Not typically consumed due to small size and ornamental value.
- Næringsverdi: Not typically consumed due to small size and ornamental value.
Nøkkelfakta
Selective Breeding Marvelinteresting
The 'Electric Blue' coloration is not found in nature but is a result of intensive selective breeding by aquarists to enhance a naturally occurring iridescent blue gene.
Parental Carebehavior
Andinoacara pulcher, including the Electric Blue morph, are excellent parents, forming monogamous pairs and diligently guarding their eggs and fry. Both male and female participate in fanning eggs and protecting the young.
Substrate Siftersbehavior
These cichlids enjoy sifting through substrate with their mouths, searching for food items. This behavior helps keep the substrate clean but can uproot delicate plants if not anchored well.
Taxonomic Journeyevolution
The species was originally described as Aequidens pulcher and has undergone several taxonomic revisions, eventually being placed in the genus Andinoacara, reflecting its distribution in the Andean region of South America.
Sikkerhetsinformasjon
Trygg- Sikkerhetsnivå: safe
- Giftig: Nei
- Spiselighet: not recommended
- Håndteringsnotater: No specific handling precautions beyond standard fish care. Avoid direct contact with spines, though they are not venomous. Handle gently to prevent stress and injury.
Lignende arter
Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
The wild-type Blue Acara has a more natural, subdued grey-blue to olive-brown body coloration with iridescent scales and a distinct black spot on its flank. The Electric Blue Acara lacks this distinct spot or has it greatly reduced, and its blue coloration is far more intense and uniform due to selective breeding.
Electric Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi 'Electric Blue'
While also electric blue, the Electric Blue Ram is a much smaller dwarf cichlid (typically 5-7 cm) with a more compact, oval body shape, and distinct black markings (a vertical bar through the eye and a lateral spot) that are usually present even in the electric blue morph. Andinoacara pulcher is significantly larger and has a different body profile.
Electric Blue Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciata 'Electric Blue'
The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is a much larger and more aggressive cichlid (up to 25 cm) with a more robust body and a different head shape. Its blue coloration is often more mottled or speckled, and it retains the characteristic 'Jack Dempsey' body pattern, albeit in blue.
Vitenskapelig klassifisering
- Rike
- Animalia
- Rekke
- Chordata
- Klasse
- Actinopterygii
- Orden
- Cichliformes
- Familie
- Cichlidae
- Slekt
- Andinoacara
- Art
- pulcher
Utforsk Electric Blue Acara
Identifiser fisk hvor som helst
Gratis på iOS, Android og web. Bildeidentifisering, fullstendige artsdetaljer og mer.