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Green terror, a freshwater fish belonging to the cichlid family, is indigenous to the Pacific region of South America. This species is often confused with two other cichlid species, namely the A. stalsbergi and A. blombergi. It was first described in 1860 by the German ichthyologist Gunther. Its stunning appearance, hardy nature, and aesthetic appeal make it a preferred choice in the aquarium trade. However, this fish may not be for everyone to keep due to its aggressive demeanor and large size. Some of this species had been used for experimentation on hormone research.
| Scientific Name | Andinoacara rivulatus (previously known as Aequidens rivulatus) |
| Other Names | Green terror cichlid, blue-green terror cichlid, false green terror |
| Origin | River basins of Ecuador and Peru in South America |
| Type | Freshwater fish |
| Conservation Status | Not recorded |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Aggressive and territorial particularly when matured, prominent in the female species |
| School Size | Not a schooling fish because of its aggressive nature. Should either be kept singly or in mated pairs |
| Physical Traits | Slender, deep body with stripes throughout as well as pointed dorsal fins |
| Colors | Adults: Metallic green, and blue body with orange-red stripes on the dorsal and caudal fins Juveniles: Tan body with patches of silver-blue |
| Size (How big do they get) | Big; 8 – 10 inches (20.32 – 25.40 cm) |
| Growth Rate | Fairly moderate, with 4 – 10 inches at maturity if given the proper amount of nutrition |
| Lifespan | 7 – 10 years |
| Sexual Dimorphism (How to tell their gender) | Present; Males: Big, and light-colored with red stripes along its tail, and a round, pronounced nuchal hump on its forehead, that develops during the mating period; Females: Smaller than their male counterparts with a darker coloration, lacking the red stripes on the fins and also the hump |
| Probable Diseases | Bacterial and fungal infections |
| Approximate Price (How much is it for) | $7 – 10 |
| Care Level | Intermediate to expert |
| Tank Size | 30 – 40 gallons (113.5 – 151.4 liters ) for a single green terror; 75 gallons (283.9 liters) for pairs |
Water Parameters
| pH Level | 6.5 – 8.0 |
| Temperature | 68 – 75 °F (20 – 24 °C) |
| Hardness | About 25 dGH |
| Aquarium Water Flow | Low to moderate |
Tank Ambience
| Lighting | Moderate (cannot withstand bright lights) |
| Substrate Type | Sand, live rocks, plants |
| Tank Mates | Compatible with: Oscar, jaguar cichlid, Jack dempsey, firemouth cichlid, flowerhorn cichlid, bleeding heart tetra, silver dollar, and pacu Incompatible with: African cichlid, mbuna cichlid, corydoras, blue acara, and severum cichlid |
| Suitable Position in the Tank | No fixed position |
Feeding
| Diet | Bloodworms, earthworms, tubifex, mussel meat, as well as pellets and flakes |
| Frequency | 2 times a day |
The balloon green terror cichlid is a little different from the traditional ones in terms of appearance. Going by their name, they have a balloon-shaped structure with a short body.
People often take the green terror for the blue acara and vice versa due to the close to similar color patterns. However, they have visible physical and temperamental differences. The blue acara is smaller and less aggressive than the green terror.
