Andinoacara stalsbergi (Silver Saum) Care Guide
Andinoacara stalsbergi, the Silver Saum or white-tail green terror, is a Peruvian cichlid related to the green terror, kept in spacious aquaria.
Overview
Andinoacara stalsbergi, marketed as the Silver Saum or white-tail green terror, is a South American cichlid described as a separate species in 2009. It is closely related to the green terror Andinoacara rivulatus but is distinguished by narrow, clearly defined white edging to the tail and dorsal fin. It is named after the Norwegian aquarist Alf Stalsberg.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Andinoacara
- Scientific name: Andinoacara stalsbergi
- Common synonym: White Tail Green Terror
Habitat
The species inhabits trans-Andean rivers and lakes of the Peruvian Pacific coast, from Piura to Ica, distinguishing it from A. rivulatus of northwestern Peru and Ecuador. Recorded localities include several coastal lagoons and rivers.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.8
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Andinoacara stalsbergi is omnivorous, with a trophic level indicating a mixed diet. In the aquarium it accepts prepared cichlid foods supplemented with live and frozen meaty items and some vegetable matter.
Compatibility
Although sold under the green terror name, this species is described as less aggressive than the red terror Mesoheros festae. It is a semi-aggressive, mid-water cichlid best kept with similarly robust tankmates; small fish should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is a substrate spawner. Males mature at about 10 cm and females at about 8 cm; females deposit several hundred eggs, which hatch in three to four days, with fry becoming free-swimming after roughly nine to twelve days.