Species profile
Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
Aggressive
Moderate care
300 L minimum aquarium
15–25 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large territorial Andean-coastal cichlid. Provide a spacious aquarium, soft sand, robust cover and efficient filtration. Small fish and timid tankmates are poor choices.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–24 °C
pH
6.5–8
GH
Up to 25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
4
Territoriality increases strongly with maturity and breeding. Keep singly, as a proven compatible pair, or only with robust similarly sized fish in substantially larger quarters. Individuals vary, so provide visual barriers and a separation plan.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
300 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Andinoacara rivulatus
Alternative names
Gold Saum, Gold Saum Green Terror
Native range
Pacific-slope coastal drainages of Ecuador and northern Peru.
Natural habitat
Occurs in coastal streams. In aquaria use soft sand, driftwood and rockwork to create cover and broken sightlines; keep water well filtered without excessive current.
Diet & feeding
Feed a quality cichlid pellet or granule as the staple with varied frozen/invertebrate foods and some plant material. Avoid routine feeder fish.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males are generally larger and more colourful, with extended dorsal/anal fins and often a pronounced nuchal hump.
Breeding
Biparental substrate spawner. A compatible pair cleans a hard surface, lays a large clutch and vigorously guards eggs and fry; aggression can become severe.