The Blue Acara is an beautiful fish with a mostly steel blue-gray coloration, but has a broader forehead than other Acara species. This medium sized fish and is a bit more courteous than the others of its genus as well. Though it is a fairly peaceful member of the Cichlid family it is apt to bully smaller fish. It should be kept with the same size or larger fish. They will breed every two weeks on a regular basis if the fry are removed shortly after hatching. They are excellent parents though, and will not harm the fry if you do leave them in the aquarium.

They like a tank bottom of fine sand and plenty of hiding places among rocks and wood. Plants are appreciated, but the Blue Acara love to dig and can uproot them. Hardy plants such as Sagittaria and Vallisneria are best, and should be potted to protect the roots. They do need frequent water changes as their excretions will cloud the water and promote disease.