Green Terror (Andinoacara rivulatus) Care Guide

A strikingly colored South American cichlid with brilliant metallic green and blue scales and an orange-red edge on the tail fin. Despite its name, it can be kept with appropriately sized tank mates.

Overview

Andinoacara rivulatus is a species in the family Cichlidae. A strikingly colored South American cichlid with brilliant metallic green and blue scales and an orange-red edge on the tail fin. Despite its name, it can be kept with appropriately sized tank mates. Males develop a prominent nuchal hump with age.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Andinoacara
Scientific name: Andinoacara rivulatus
Other names: Gold Saum
Origin: South America, Ecuador, Peru

Habitat

Andinoacara rivulatus is a robust cichlid from rivers and coastal drainages of western Ecuador and Peru. It inhabits slow to moderate freshwater and is a territorial, opportunistic predator on invertebrates and small fish; mature males develop a prominent nuchal hump.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 300 L
Temperature: 22-28 °C
pH: 6.5-8
GH: 5-20 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 15-25 cm
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: aggressive
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: Oscar, Jack Dempsey, Bristlenose Pleco, Silver Dollar
Avoid with: Small Fish, Shrimp, Peaceful Community Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: substrate-spawner
Breeding difficulty: intermediate