Cichlid
Care basics
Green terrors are tough, colorful cichlids with bright blue green scales and an orange edge on the fins. They are hardy, but their temperament means planning tank mates carefully.
Give them plenty of room, strong filtration and rockwork or driftwood that breaks up lines of sight. Keep them with similar sized, robust cichlids, or keep one as a centerpiece fish.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Andinoacara rivulatus |
|---|---|
| Group | South American |
| Native to | Pacific slope rivers of Ecuador and Peru |
| Adult size | About 8 to 12 inches, males larger than females |
| Tank size | 75 gallons or more for one adult, larger for a pair |
| Temperature | 72 to 80 F |
| pH | 6.5 to 8.0 |
| Diet | Omnivore. A quality cichlid pellet as a staple, plus frozen foods and some vegetable matter |
| Temperament | Aggressive and territorial, especially when breeding. Mature males often grow a bump on the forehead. |
Good tank mates
Similar sized robust cichlids such as severums or larger Central Americans, large plecos. Always match size, temperament and water needs, and add new fish to a cycled tank after quarantine.
Sizes and ranges are typical hobby figures. Individual fish vary. Questions about your tank? Ask us.
