Green Terror

The green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus, still widely listed under the older name Aequidens rivulatus) comes from coastal rivers in Ecuador and Peru. Mature fish are covered in metallic blue-green spangling over the head and flanks, and males develop an orange or white edge to the tail along with a pronounced forehead. The name is earned rather than marketing — this is a confident, pushy cichlid that will run a tank.

Aquarium care

• Males reach 20 cm or more; females stay smaller.
• Needs a large aquarium with a real footprint rather than height.
• Territorial and aggressive, particularly once it pairs up and breeds.
• A digger. Plants need to be robust and potted, or left out entirely.
• A messy eater requiring strong filtration and generous water changes.
• Takes quality cichlid pellets and frozen foods.

It suits a large tank with other robust New World cichlids of similar size, or large catfish that can hold their own. It is not a community fish, and it is not suitable for a small tank at any age. Rearranging the decor when adding a new fish helps break up an established territory.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is available for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. Browse the South American cichlid collection.