Green Terror

fish description – Green Terror Cichlid Care Guide ($Andinoacara\ rivulatus$)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Andinoacara\ rivulatus$ (formerly $Aequidens\ rivulatus$)
Common Name	Green Terror Cichlid, Gold Saum (large males)
Origin	Coastal rivers and tributaries of Peru and Ecuador (South America)
Adult Size	8–12 inches (20–30 cm)
Temperament	Highly Aggressive, Extremely Territorial, Biparental Care
Lifespan	7–10+ years
Care Level	Intermediate to Advanced (due to aggression and size)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A robust, deep-bodied cichlid with a high forehead. The body is a mix of shimmering iridescent green, blue, and gold spangling, often highlighted with orange or red edging on the dorsal and caudal fins. Adult males develop a large, fatty nuchal hump.
• Coloration: Iridescent blue-green body with gold and blue spotting. Males grow significantly larger and develop a prominent nuchal hump (forehead growth) as they mature. Females are smaller, less vivid in color, and have a flatter head profile.
• Fins: Large, pointed dorsal and anal fins, often rimmed in gold or white. The caudal fin is fan-shaped with markings.
• Behavior: Highly aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding. They are avid diggers and will rearrange the substrate and decor. They are substrate spawners and exhibit excellent, fierce biparental care.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (284 liters) is the minimum for a single adult. 125 gallons or larger is necessary for a breeding pair or if keeping multiple large, robust fish. The tank should be long and wide.
• Schooling: Best kept singly or as a monogamous pair (once bonded). Keeping multiple specimens requires an extremely large tank with ample barriers.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $72^\circ$–$82^\circ\text{F}\ (22^\circ$–$28^\circ\mathrm{C})$ (stability is key).
• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral/alkaline: 6.5 to 8.0. They require powerful filtration and frequent, large water changes (25–30% weekly) to control high waste and prevent diseases like HITH. Water flow should be moderate.
• Aquascape: Requires a fine sand substrate for digging/sifting (avoid coarse gravel). Decorate with large, heavy, securely anchored rocks and driftwood to create caves and territorial boundaries (visual barriers). Avoid delicate live plants, as they will be uprooted and nibbled.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Green Terror Cichlid is an omnivore with a strong carnivorous bias.

• Staple Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets or sticks formulated for large, omnivorous South American cichlids.
• Supplementation: A varied diet rich in protein is crucial. Offer frozen or live foods regularly: Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, Krill, and small fish/prawns. Supplement with vegetable matter (spirulina flakes, blanched vegetables).
• Schedule: Feed once or twice daily. Keeping them well-fed can help manage aggression.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Extremely aggressive. Best kept with very large, robust, and durable fish that can defend themselves. Will eat any small fish. Prone to diseases like HITH if water quality is poor.
• Good Tank Mates: Large Plecos (e.g., Panaque), large armored Catfish (Synodontis), Oscars, Jaguars, Bichirs, and other similarly sized, aggressive Central/South American cichlids (Jack Dempsey, Convict). Tank mates are always a risk and must be monitored constantly.