Fish
Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus · also called green terror cichlid
Flashing an iridescent green sheen across a robust, territorial body, a green terror patrols its stretch of Pacific-slope river with a temperament that has more than earned the fearsome half of its common name.
Overview
The green terror, Andinoacara rivulatus, is a large, strongly territorial cichlid native to wetland river habitat along the Pacific slope of Ecuador and Peru in South America. Its assertive, boldly named temperament, iridescent green-and-orange colouring, and pronounced nuchal hump in mature males make it one of the more visually striking and behaviourally demanding medium-to-large cichlids kept in aquariums worldwide.
A name that fits the fish
Unlike some dramatically named species that turn out to be relatively mild-mannered, the green terror largely lives up to its reputation, defending its claimed territory with a persistence that keepers must plan around when choosing tankmates and tank size.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable wetland river habitat along the Pacific slope of Ecuador and Peru.
Green Terror: common questions
Why is it called the green terror?
This species earned its common name through a notably territorial and assertive temperament toward other fish encroaching on its claimed space, combined with the iridescent green sheen that gives the "green" half of its descriptive common name.
What does a green terror look like?
This species displays an iridescent green sheen across much of the body combined with orange-red edging on the fins, a vivid colour combination that becomes especially pronounced in mature, well-conditioned individuals, particularly males.
What is the hump on a mature male green terror's forehead?
Mature males of this species often develop a pronounced fatty hump on the forehead, known as a nuchal hump, a feature associated with size, age, and breeding condition that is also seen in several other related cichlid species.
How big of a tank does a green terror need?
This species grows to a relatively large, robust adult size and displays strongly territorial habits, so it requires a spacious aquarium well beyond what would suit smaller dwarf cichlids in order to accommodate both its size and its behaviour.