Blue acara
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit turbid standing waters as well as clear free flowing streams . They feed on worms, crustaceans and insects . Reproduces in captivity . Both parents guard the eggs and larvae . Utilized to control mosquito larvae . Aquarium keeping: in pairs; minimum aquarium size 100 cm .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Anal spines: 3. Aequidens is very similar to Geophagus but is differentiated by the number of spines on the anal fin and the lacks of a lobule on the first branchial arch found in Geophagus; live specimens olive green, with eight obscure transverse bands on the body; numerous bright bluish-green lines on the cheek; males are more colorful and grow bigger than females; males blue in color during the reproductive season .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blue acara is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
In captivity, both male and female clean a rock which will be the spawning area. Eggs are laid on the rock by the female and fertilized by the male. Both male and female guard the eggs, which hatch in 2 to 5 days, and continue to look after the fry for some weeks . In cases of danger, the male protects its young by placing them inside its mouth .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.5 - 8.0; dH range: ? - 25; non-migratory . Tropical; 18°C - 23°C ; 11°N - 5°N, 73°W - 60°W Central and South America: Trinidad and Venezuela.
🌿 Ecology
worms, crustaceans and insects (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blue acara is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Blue acara is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blue acara has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? pulcher | Gill | 1858 | Synonym |
| Aequidens pulcher | Gill | 1858 | Synonym |
| Aequidens pulchrus | Gill | 1858 | Synonym |
| Cychlasoma pulchrum | Gill | 1858 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Blue acara.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 9 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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