Description

Green Terror – Andinoacara rivulatus

The Green Terror (Andinoacara rivulatus) is a striking South American cichlid known for its metallic blue-green markings, impressive finnage and bold personality. Juveniles develop considerably as they mature, with adult males becoming particularly impressive and often developing extended fins and a more pronounced forehead.

Green Terrors are intelligent, confident fish that quickly become accustomed to their keeper and feeding routines. However, they are also large, territorial cichlids, so their eventual adult size should always be considered before purchasing.

Set Up

We recommend an aquarium of at least 120cm in length for a single adult, with considerably more space required for a pair or when keeping them alongside other large cichlids.

A sand or smooth fine gravel substrate works well, with substantial pieces of wood and securely positioned rocks providing territories and broken lines of sight. Green Terrors are enthusiastic diggers, so delicate planted aquascapes aren’t particularly practical. Plants attached to wood or rocks generally stand a better chance than those rooted directly into the substrate.

Powerful filtration and regular water changes are important, as an adult Green Terror is a substantial fish capable of producing plenty of waste.

Behaviour

Green Terrors are territorial and can become aggressive, particularly towards other cichlids and when breeding. Individual temperament varies considerably, however, and some specimens are much more tolerant of tank mates than others.

They are also highly engaging fish. Once settled, they frequently become very responsive to activity outside the aquarium and can develop noticeably individual personalities.

Tank Mates

Small or delicate community fish are not suitable companions.

In a sufficiently large aquarium, Green Terrors may be kept with similarly sized, robust fish, including carefully selected larger cichlids and catfish. Mixing territorial cichlids always carries some risk, and combinations that work while fish are young can change as they mature.

Providing plenty of space and breaking up lines of sight with substantial decoration can help reduce territorial disputes.

Feeding

Green Terrors are omnivorous and generally enthusiastic feeders. A good-quality cichlid pellet makes an excellent staple food, supplemented with a varied selection of frozen and live foods such as mysis, brineshrimp, krill, bloodworm and chopped prawn, along with some vegetable-based foods.

Avoid overfeeding, particularly as the fish becomes larger.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Green Terrors grow?
Allow for an adult size of approximately 20–25cm. Don’t judge their eventual requirements by the relatively small juveniles normally offered for sale.

Are Green Terrors aggressive?
They can be. They are territorial cichlids and aggression can become particularly pronounced when a pair forms and begins breeding. Individual temperament varies considerably.

Can Green Terrors live with other fish?
Yes, but companions need to be chosen carefully. They are best kept with appropriately sized, robust species in a large aquarium rather than small or delicate community fish.

Do Green Terrors need a large aquarium?
Yes. We recommend at least a 120cm-long aquarium for a single adult, with larger accommodation needed for multiple large cichlids.

Do Green Terrors eat plants?
Plants aren’t necessarily regarded as food, but Green Terrors dig and rearrange their surroundings. Rooted plants can therefore be uprooted. Tough plants attached to wood or rocks are usually more practical.

Are Green Terrors suitable for beginners?
We’d consider them better suited to someone with some previous fishkeeping experience. Their basic care isn’t especially difficult, but managing a large territorial cichlid requires more planning than keeping a conventional community aquarium.

If you have any questions about keeping this fish, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions

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