[2] This fish can be found in various freshwater habitats, ranging from standing water to flowing streams, in Venezuela and Trinidad.

The blue acara is a common cichlid sold in many aquarium stores, and is sometimes confused with the larger green terror (A. rivulatus).

Noticeable horizontal green lines occur on their faces and their blueish-green scales give them a sparkling appearance.

[3] The body is compact and stocky, while the fins are long and flowing, with a rounder head than on similar cichlids.

The body is decorated with five to eight vertical black stripes (which may not always be distinctly visible) and blue iridescent spots, and the face sports a few horizontal green lines.