Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Green Terror

Andinoacara rivulatus (Günther, 1860)

Also called Goldsaumbuntbarsch, Aequidens rivulatus (former name)

SpeciesShort profile

From Pacific slope of South America: coastal rivers and streams from the Esmeraldas River in Ecuador to the Tumbes River in northern Peru.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length20 to 30 cm1 2 3

Sizelarge

Striking iridescent blue-green colour

Very hardy

Bold, interactive personality

3 1

Looks how to spot one

Large, deep-bodied cichlid

A robust, deep-bodied cichlid with a high forehead. Mature males grow noticeably larger, develop a fatty hump on the head and longer dorsal and anal fin tips.3 2

Coloursiridescent blue and greenorange accentswhite or gold-orange edging on the dorsal and tail finsjuveniles tan with silver-blue flecks3

Personality what they are like

Confident and territorial, best with keepers who enjoy assertive cichlids; temperament varies and some individuals are quite calm.2 3 1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active, bold swimmer that claims and patrols a territory, so it needs plenty of open space plus rockwork or wood.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Sturdy and forgiving; strong filtration and regular water changes keep a large tank in good shape.1 3

Home where they are happiest

Water of about 20 to 24 C, pH 6.5 to 8.0 and up to about 25 dGH; a tank with a base of at least 150 x 45 cm (around 300 litres).1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore; a quality cichlid pellet or stick as the staple, plus earthworms, prawn, mussel and other live or frozen foods.2

Company who they like around

Best kept alone or as a mated pair; very large tanks can house other robust cichlids and big catfish.2

The story where it all began

Albert Günther described the fish in 1860 from Pacific-draining rivers of Ecuador and Peru. It has often been mixed up with two related species that also have white-edged fins, and it later moved to the genus Andinoacara.1 3 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The male's head hump is made of fatty tissue.3
2
Researchers have used it as a model to study how testosterone affects left-right brain specialisation.3
3
Females can lay roughly 400 to 600 eggs on a hard surface in one spawning.1
4
The genus name Andinoacara refers to the Andes combined with 'acara', a Tupi-Guarani word for cichlids.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 14 September 2020)1
Taxonomy: Described by Günther in 1860 (as Chromis rivulata); family Cichlidae; northern populations may be a separate species2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Green Terror. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Feedingevery day
Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Filter rinseevery 2 weeks

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Green Terror?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding once daily. Offer a quality cichlid pellet or stick as the staple, and vary with live or frozen foods like earthworms or prawn. Adjust portions so your fish eats in a couple of minutes, and ask your vet or a good breeder for exact amounts.2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Green Terror eat, and what should it never eat?

This omnivore thrives on a quality cichlid pellet or stick, plus treats like earthworms, prawn, and mussel. Never feed it anything that could harm its digestion, such as fatty meats or foods with fillers; for specific no-go items, check with an exotic-pet vet.2

How much space does a Green Terror need?

A tank with a base of at least 150 x 45 cm, around 300 litres, is needed for this active swimmer. It claims and patrols a territory, so provide plenty of open space plus rockwork or wood.2 1

What temperature, light or water does a Green Terror need?

Keep water at 20 to 24°C, pH 6.5 to 8.0, and hardness up to about 25 dGH. Provide moderate lighting and strong filtration; Furry Diary's plan includes weekly water changes of 30 to 50% and a filter rinse every two weeks.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Green Terror's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan recommends a weekly water change of about 30 to 50% and a weekly water test, plus a filter rinse every two weeks. Sturdy and forgiving, this fish does well with consistent maintenance.3 1 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Green Terror live with others?

It is best kept alone or as a mated pair, as it is confident and territorial. In very large tanks, it can share space with other robust cichlids and big catfish, but temperament varies.2 3 1

How long does a Green Terror live?

Lifespan varies widely depending on care; ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for a typical range. With proper feeding and clean water, these hardy fish can live many years.

Can I handle a Green Terror?

Handling is not recommended for this fish, as it is a large, assertive cichlid that may become stressed or defensive. Enjoy watching its bold swimming and territorial displays instead.2 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Blue Acara

Jack Dempsey

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Andinoacara rivulatus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, IUCN, breeding, trade
Seriously Fish: Andinoacara rivulatus seriouslyfish.comused for size, tank size, diet, behaviour, dimorphism, breeding, etymology
Wikipedia: Green terror en.wikipedia.orgused for size, colours, description, naming history, research use

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.