Advanced

Green Terror

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Andinoacara rivulatus

Complete Green Terror care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, aggressive temperament, minimum 55 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Advanced.

Green Terror

Quick Answer

Green Terror (Andinoacara rivulatus) is a stunning cichlid from South America. It requires a minimum 55 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. As a omnivore with aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

Green Terror (Andinoacara rivulatus) is a stunning cichlid from South America. Its body is covered in bright green iridescent scales, and males have a orange-red edge on their tail.

Setup

A 55-gallon or larger tank with plenty of hiding spots (caves, driftwood) and open swimming space. Robust filtration due to messy eating.

Feeding

Omnivorous; eats cichlid pellets, flakes, frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and live foods. Also accepts vegetable matter.

Compatibility

Aggressive and territorial. Best kept as a single or mated pair. Tankmates must be similarly robust: large cichlids, silver dollars, large catfish. Avoid peaceful fish.

Aquarium Tank Volume Calculator

Enter your details below for an instant recommendation.

Recommended Output

Gallons

--

Liters

--

Empty weight

--

Filled weight

--

Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Butterflyfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet semanticSimilarity African Cichlid Care Guide: Tank Size & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity Bala Shark Care Guide: Tank Size & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Green Terrors should be kept together?
Keep only one male per tank, or a single confirmed bonded pair in a tank of at least 75 gallons (284 liters) with a footprint of 48x18 inches (120x45 cm). Green terrors (Andinoacara rivulatus) are highly aggressive large cichlids; two males in any size tank will fight to severe injury or death. A bonded pair requires 100+ gallons to establish territories. For a single fish, 55 gallons (208 liters) is adequate. Provide multiple caves, flat stones, and robust driftwood. Avoid with smaller fish (under 4 inches) as they will be eaten. Use a tight-fitting lid; they are jumpers.
What are the exact water parameters for Green Terrors?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 5 - 15 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 150 - 400 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 300 - 800 μS/cm, and temperature 72°F - 80°F (22°C - 27°C). They require large aquariums with robust filtration (10x turnover) to manage biological waste. Maintain nitrates below 20 ppm with weekly 30% water changes. Use a canister filter rated for 2x tank volume. Provide sand or fine gravel substrate; they dig extensively. Avoid sharp decorations that can injure their eyes.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Green Terrors?
They are carnivores requiring 50% protein, 15% fat, 35% plant matter. Feed high-quality cichlid pellets (Hikari Gold), krill, bloodworms, earthworms, and occasional pieces of white fish meat twice daily. Offer spirulina wafers and blanched peas weekly. Avoid fatty foods (beef heart) which cause bloat. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) and formalin. Praziquantel is safe. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat external parasites. Quarantine with metronidazole (5 mg/L) for 10 days to treat hexamita.
How to breed Green Terrors with environmental triggers?
Condition a bonded pair with live blackworms and earthworms for 3 weeks. Raise temperature to 78°F (25.5°C) and perform 30% water change with slightly cooler (72°F/22°C) water. Provide a flat stone or slate tile (6x6 inches). The pair cleans the site; female lays 200-500 eggs. Both parents guard and fan eggs. Eggs hatch in 72-96 hours at 75°F (24°C). Wrigglers become free-swimming in 7-10 days. Feed crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, and microworms. Remove parents if they become aggressive, but they are typically good parents. Frequent water changes (30% daily) are critical for fry growth.

Related Content

fish

African Butterflyfish

Complete African Butterflyfish care guide covering carnivore diet requirements, semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 30 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Advanced.

fish

African Cichlid

Complete African Cichlid care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, aggressive temperament, minimum 55 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Advanced.

fish

African Leaf Fish

Complete African Leaf Fish care guide covering carnivore diet requirements, semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 55 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

fish

African Red Eyed Tetra

Complete African Red Eyed Tetra care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 30 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

fish

Angelfish

Complete Angelfish care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 30 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

fish

Apistogramma

Complete Apistogramma care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.