Green Terror Cichlid

Andinoacara rivulatus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae

📍 Pacific Coast, Ecuador & Peru

Green terror cichlids are large, dramatic fish with vivid turquoise-green scaling and orange-edged fins. Males develop a pronounced nuchal hump with age. Despite the name, they are manageable in species or large community cichlid setups.

Size12"

Min Tank75g

aggressive

Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Green Terrors are carnivorous to omnivorous and require high-protein foods including quality cichlid pellets, earthworms, bloodworms, and frozen shrimp. Feed adults once daily or divide into two smaller meals, adjusting portions based on tank size and individual appetite. Occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach can be offered but is not essential.

Behavior

Green Terrors are highly territorial and aggressive, especially toward conspecifics and similarly-sized fish. Males develop a pronounced nuchal hump with maturity and will actively defend their territory through displays and physical aggression. They are intelligent, curious fish that interact with their environment and keepers, but require careful tank management to minimize conflict.

Breeding

Breeding Green Terrors in captivity is moderately difficult and requires a dedicated breeding pair in a large, heavily planted or structured tank (100+ gallons recommended). Pairs are monogamous and will aggressively defend eggs and fry; remove other fish before spawning occurs. Fry are relatively easy to raise on crushed pellets and micro foods once free-swimming.

Tank Mates

Severum

Similar size and temperament; may work in very large tanks (100+ gallons) but aggression risk remains high

caution

Jack Dempsey

Comparable aggression levels; only suitable for experienced keepers with large, heavily structured tanks

caution

Bristlenose Pleco

Nocturnal bottom-dweller that avoids confrontation; helps with algae control

good

Firemouth Cichlid

Similar size and aggression; may coexist in 100+ gallon tanks with ample territory and hiding spots

caution

Clown Pleco

Small, peaceful bottom-feeder that occupies different tank zones; minimal interaction with Green Terror

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise water temperature to 28-30°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; treat for 7-10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration, fin loss progressing toward body

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure ammonia and nitrite remain at 0 ppm

Hole-in-the-Head (Hexamita)

Symptoms

Small pits or holes in head region, loss of appetite, white stringy feces, lethargy

Treatment

Perform large water changes, improve diet with quality foods and vitamin supplements, use metronidazole-based medication if available; maintain excellent water quality

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Redness on body or fins, open sores, swelling, cloudy eyes, behavioral changes

Treatment

Isolate affected fish if possible, perform daily 25% water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; maintain pristine water conditions and avoid overcrowding