Green Terror Cichlid

To protect our animals and to ensure they get to our customers healthy and thriving, we will only ship our orders via UPS Next Day Air.

The Green Terror Cichlid (Andinoacara rivulatus) is a striking and popular freshwater fish known for its vibrant colors and bold personality. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know if you're keeping or considering one:

🐟 Basic Profile:

Scientific Name: Andinoacara rivulatus

Common Name: Green Terror

Origin: Western South America (Peru and Ecuador)

Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm) for males, smaller for females

Lifespan: 7–10 years in captivity with good care

🌿 Tank Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for a single adult; larger if keeping tank mates

Water Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

pH: 6.5–8.0

Hardness: Moderate

Substrate: Sand or fine gravel with plenty of rocks and hiding places

Décor: Caves, driftwood, and sturdy plants (they might uproot soft plants)

😈 Temperament:

Aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding

Best kept either alone, with larger, equally aggressive fish, or in species-only tanks

Not suitable for peaceful community aquariums

🍽️ Diet:

Omnivorous

Feed a varied diet: high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and vegetable matter

Avoid overfeeding—this species can be prone to obesity and digestive issues

🐣 Breeding:

Egg-layer, forms monogamous pairs

Very protective of fry

Breeding pairs can become very aggressive toward tank mates

💡 Tips:

They are intelligent and recognize their owners

Keep the water clean—Green Terrors are sensitive to poor water quality

Avoid housing with smaller fish (they may become food)