Green Terror / Blue Acara, are they nearly identical???

[Griller]

Hi Cichlid fans,

I've just been sold a blue acara and was told that they look very similar to green terrors when mature. Is this true???

 

[benzjamin13]

They're pretty similar when they're small, but as they grow, the GT will be way bigger than the Acara.

 

[Pyramid_Party]

GT will get bigger and look better (as far as color). Ive had a GT and I own a blue acara now. If you dont know what to look for you can be fooled between the 2, but IMO they are easy to tell apart. But thats just cause Ive owned both species before. Anyway, Blue Acara is a nice fish I really like mine. They are a great alternative to GTs.

 

[Pyramid_Party]

Heres a pic of an adult female Blue Acara I have at 4.5 inches

 

[Griller]

That is what I've got. Thanks guys.

 

[prcdslnc13]

acaras are alot more washed out then GTs imo. I had one a long time ago, she was a great fish with an awesome attitude, didnt pick on anybody

 

[convict84]

can be tricky at two inchs if you are not to up on the gts,but easy after 2 inchs imo

 

[benzjamin13]

For me, the way I can tell, is that the Acara has a black marking running through it's eyes.

 

[marauders30]

all the juvies ive seen at the lfs have been pretty easy to tell apart but ya i guess kinda similar

 

[Pyramid_Party]

A really good way to tell them apart is head shape. GTs have a sloped head like eartheaters. Acaras have more of a rounded head that comes to more of a point at the mouth. The coloration can be tricky as well as the eye stipe. IMO the head shapes are the best way. If you've owned both species you can tell them apart easily.