Description

🐟 Green Terror Cichlid

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Andinoacara rivulatus

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: South America (Ecuador & Peru)

• Size: 8 – 12 inches (20 – 30 cm)

• Lifespan: 10 – 12 years

• Tank Zone: Mid to Bottom

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 100 – 200 ppm

• pH: 6.5 – 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)

• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Bright metallic green/blue body with orange edging on fins.

• Males are larger with a noticeable nuchal hump on the head.

• Aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding.

• Intelligent fish that can recognize their keeper.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets, frozen shrimp, worms, crickets, bloodworms, spirulina, and vegetables (peas, spinach).

• Feeding: Twice daily in moderate amounts.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (larger for pairs or community).

• Filtration: Strong filtration needed, they are messy eaters.

• Decor: Rocks, caves, driftwood for hiding, but leave open swimming areas.

• Water Change: 30–40% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Best kept singly, in pairs, or with large tank mates.

• Tank Mates: Oscars, Jack Dempsey, Plecos, Severums, Silver Dollars (only in large tanks).

• Avoid: Small or very peaceful fish (they may be bullied or eaten).

✅ Do’s

• Provide caves and hiding places.

• Keep water clean and stable.

• Offer a mix of protein and vegetable food.

• Keep only in a large tank to reduce aggression.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep in small/community tanks.

• Don’t mix with very aggressive cichlids like Red Devils or Jaguars.

• Don’t keep with small fish (they will become food).

• Don’t skip water changes.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Green Terror Cichlids are colorful, bold, and strong personalities.

• Best suited for experienced aquarists.

• Their metallic shine and fiery attitude make them a true showpiece fish.