Green Terror Cichlid Care Guide And Species Profile
Having a large tank means having large fish. If you are in the market for something as large as it is bright, the Green Terror Cichlid is a freshwater giant that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
As part of the Perciformes family, these bony-finned fish are an aggressive and territorial species to work with. While it may be easier for more experienced aquarists to keep Green Terrors in good care for many years, it is still possible for beginners to get their hands on these feisty and colorful fish.
Make sure to follow the tips and suggestions in this guide closely to ensure that your Green Terrors – as well as the other creatures that live in your tank – are given the best of care. With any luck, you will have some beautiful giants to bring thrills and spectacles to your tank for many years to come!
| Quick Facts: | |
|---|---|
| Common Names : | Green Terror Cichlid, Gold Saum, White Saum |
| Origin : | Esmeraldas River in Ecuador, Tumbes River in Peru |
| Family : | Cichlidae |
| Scientific Name : | Andinoacara rivulatus |
| Care Level : | Moderate |
| Temperament : | Aggressive |
| Social : | Territorial |
| Diet : | Omnivores |
| Size (average) : | 12 inches long |
| Lifespan : | 7 - 10 years |
| Breeding : | Egg layer |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 35 gallons |
| Tank Environment : | Freshwater with slow current, Sandy and grave mixed substrate, Rocks and Caves, Driftwood, Live aquarium plants (strong-rooted) Plastic aquarium plants |
| Temperature : | 68 – 80 °F (20 – 26 °C) |
| Water Hardness : | 5 - 20 dGH |
| Water pH Level : | 6.5 - 8.0 |
Overview of Green Terror Cichlid
Aquarium fans have loved Green Terrors for a long time, making them a highly popular option for newcomers and veterans alike. This unique species always stands out in a crowd, and people love to gather around the tank to watch the strange behaviors of this fish.
While they can be prone to aggression, Green Terrors are often sought out for their gorgeous colors and fun personality. They are a joy to look at, and they can draw quite a few spectators if you plan on having visitors.
You can keep them healthy and happy when you have the right tank conditions and keep them away from territorial tankmates.
Origin, Distribution, and Availability
The discovery and naming of the Green Terror Cichlid date back to the 1860s, where they were found in the waters of Esmeraldas River in Ecuador and Tumbes River in Peru. They were largely found in river basins and tropical shallows.
These large fish species were noticeable from the surface because of their bright green colors.
They originally had several names: Green Terror, Gold Saum, or White Saum. After their discovery, they were rapidly bred and farmed in captivity for aquarium enthusiasts all over the world.
You can find Green Terror Cichlids through many freshwater fish suppliers, although their large size may limit their availability in certain pet stores.
Green Terror Typical Behavior
One of the most noticeable behaviors in the Green Terror Cichlid is the heightened levels of aggression. This is one of the most territorial species of freshwater fish that you can have in your home aquarium, which makes them prone to aggression towards other fish as well as members of their own kind.
You can reduce their tendencies toward aggression by ensuring that they have plenty of space within the aquarium to be away from other fish. You should also make sure that you do not keep smaller fish with Green Terrors, as they might be attacked and eaten.
Another trait of the Green Terror is that it is benthopelagic. This means that it does not dwell in a certain part of the tank, but rather swims around at all levels. You may sometimes see this fish near the surface, or dwelling at the bottom of the tank.
Characteristics of Green Terror
The appearance, size, and special characteristics of the Green Terror Cichlid are the biggest reasons why aquarists pursue these fish as a part of their home collection. These exotic Terrors can be a thrill to look at as long as they are kept in comfortable conditions.
Appearance, Colors, and Special Markings
There are actually several colors that make up the Green Terror Cichlid despite its name. This fish can sport shades of metallic blue, green, white, gold, red, and even pink. Their colors typically change as they age, and females can often be darker than males as they grow older.
Each fish has an orange stripe leading to the edges of its side and top fins. These fins are very pointed and bony, stretching out behind them as they swim.
They can even use their fins to dig deep into the ground, which is something that should be kept in mind when choosing the right substrate for Green Terror Cichlids.
Green Terror Cichlid Size
As one of the largest freshwater fish available for your aquarium, Green Terrors can grow up to one foot in size, or 12 inches. Some Green Terrors that are bred and distributed in captivity grow to be 8 to 10 inches long.
The lifespan of Green Terror
Healthy Green Terrors that are kept in good conditions can live for a decade in your aquarium. You can expect your fish to live between 7 – 10 years under good quality care.
Aquarium Care and Conditions
As with every species of fish, the key to the long life and health of your Green Terror Cichlids is having the right aquarium conditions for their comfort. In this section below, you can review the best tank conditions and specifications for these large freshwater fish.
Tank Conditions and Care
Again, these are large fish, and so they require plenty of space in their tank as well as stellar water conditions. This species loves to roam, so you shouldn’t keep them cooped up somewhere where they can’t stretch their fins all day long.
Green Terror Cichlid Tank Size
If you plan on having a Green Terror Cichlid in your aquarium, you should already have an aquarium that is at least 35 gallons in size. But, according to our experience, it would be ideal if we have 50 gallons tank for a single Green Terror fish for them to express their territorial behavior.
If you want to keep a pair (male and female), expand that tank size to 75 gallons. Adding more fish will require at least 35 gallons per fish in terms of control their aggressive behavior.
Tank Setup
Found in murky tropical waters, Green Terror Cichlids are not big fans of bright light. They would prefer to have lower levels of light in the aquarium as well as plenty of things that provide shade. Leafy plants and big rocks can offer other places to hide and ample opportunities for them to find a piece of territory.
When it comes to the substrate, make sure you add something fine like sand or mud. Gravel can be unsafe because the Green Terrors tend to eat small rocks, which can kill them.
These fish also like to dig, which is another reason why sand might be helpful. This substrate can keep them feeling safe and secure, prolonging their lifespan and reducing their aggression towards others.
Suitable Plants
It is not a wise idea to add rooted plants to your tank, as it is likely that the Green Terror Cichlids will dig them up. Therefore, we suggest floating plants and add suitable amounts of vegetation to your aquarium.
Anubias and Java Fern are good recommendations that are friendly and safe for all types of fish.
Water Conditions and Parameters
These cichlids are pretty hardy, but it is still important to have the right water conditions so they can thrive. They like warm tropical water, so you will want to invest in the right equipment to help you keep the temperature and pH levels steady.
– Water Temperature
Green Terror can survive the water temperature range between 68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. But we would recommend you to maintain your aquarium water temperature should be between 72 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
These are moderately warm temperatures that most fish can tolerate, but it is important to understand how sensitive your fish can be.
– Water pH Levels
There is a wide range of tolerance when it comes to the proper pH levels. Anything between 6.5 and 8 on the pH scale should suffice.
– Water Hardness
You have a little bit of flexibility with the water’s hardness levels. Make sure to maintain water conditions between 5 and 20 dGH.
Diet and Feeding for Green Terror
Green Terror Cichlids are mostly carnivorous fish, but they will eat vegetable matter as well. Using a combination of flakes and pellets, you can deliver them a highly nutritional meal on a daily basis.
It is important to supplement their flakes with real meat and frozen food as well. Be sure to include:
- Insects
- Worms
- Crustaceans
- Small fish
- Shrimps
- Mussels
It is also a good idea to mix up their diet every so often to include treats such as:
- Fish fillets
- Crickets
- Tube worms
- Spinach
- Peas
Since they are such large fish, your Green Terrors will need to be fed twice per day. Younger fish should be fed more frequently.
Green Terror Common Diseases
This species is naturally a hearty and healthy fish. There are a few common freshwater diseases that you should still be on the lookout for, including infections and ich.
Parasitic Infections
Parasites are a result of unclean water conditions and other health issues. They can infect your fish and make them sick fast. It is important to get special medication that can be applied to your Green Terror Cichlids.
Ich
A common fish disease, Ich is classified by patchy scales and the fish constantly itching itself against rocks and props. You can put medicine in the water to help treat this condition.
Lymphocystis Disease
This disease can appear on the fins and bodies of the fish in the form of small lesions, which are caused by infectious toxins in the water. This disease can be severe if not treated quickly. It is usually caused by stress in combination with pollution.
HLLE
Also called Head and Lateral Line Erosion or Hole-In-Head Disease, this can cause holes in the flesh of your fish, causing them to deteriorate quickly. This can happen to your fish if the water hardness levels are too high.
Green Terror Gender Differences
The biggest visible difference between male and female differences is the large, bulbous shape that appears on the head of the male Green Terror Cichlid. These pink bulbs usually appear during mating season when in the wild, but can be permanent for those in captivity.
Otherwise, females are a bit smaller than males. This is enough sexual dimorphism to easily distinguish between the sexes. In order to reduce aggression, it is recommended to keep one of each gender in your tank.
Green Terror Cichlid Breeding
In the wild, the hump on the male’s head will grow larger during mating season. This usually reduces aggression in males who have found a partner and can be a great way to keep the peace in your tank without having to pay for more fish.
It should not be too difficult to breed Green Terror Cichlids on your own. A well-established pair will lay eggs quickly. You may notice the male protecting the area where the eggs are while the female cares for the fish. The female will lay the eggs before they are fertilized by the male.
It is important to remove other fish and other dangers that could risk losing the eggs. Keeping the eggs isolated before they hatch can increase the chances that healthy baby fish will spawn.
These fish are very good parents to their young and can raise them with minimal effort needed on your part.
Best Tank Mates
Sine Green Terror Cichlids like to explore all areas of the tank, it can be a little more difficult to find suitable tank mates. You also want to make sure not to add fish that are too small, or else they will just get eaten by these green giants.
There is plenty of fish that can get along well with Green Terrors, however. Their aggressive nature does not absolutely mean that they cannot be matched with others. You should have a bonded pair of Green Terrors in your tank at the very least.
What Fish Can Go with Green Terrors?
- Servrum
- Striped Raphael Catfish
- Jack Dempsey Cichlids
- Firemouth Cichlids
- Convict Cichlids
- Gars
- Pacus
- Clown Plecos
- Silver Dollar Fish
Remember that each fish has its own set of characteristics and temperaments, and you want to make sure that they can all mesh well together. Just because a certain fish is on this list does not mean that each individual in the species will get along with the members of your tank. Don’t be afraid to try some things out.
Final Thoughts of Keeping a Green Terror
The Green Terror Cichlid is a popular and strikingly beautiful fish that any tank owner will want to add to their underwater paradise. If you are in the market for a tank larger than 55 gallons or you want to upgrade to accommodate more aquatic creatures, you might consider this giant beast for your tank.
These fish can be aggressive and territorial, but as long as they have enough space and a daily diet rich in protein, they can bring joy to you and the other species in the aquarium. They can mate with each other and give you a whole school of Green Terror Cichlids to enjoy.
These curious fish will swim around your aquarium all day, exploring and actively looking for spaces to call home. If you are ready to put in the time and dedication it takes to properly care for these passionate fish, you can easily take care of them when you follow this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
We tried to cover all the required information of the care of Green Terror Cichlid, but it always has more questions that we discuss below in our best.
How Big Does a Green Terror Get?
In the wild, some Green Terror Cichlids have been reported as measuring over one foot long. In your aquarium, you should not expect your Cichlids to grow larger than 12 inches.
Juveniles grow quickly until they become adults, where they will be about 8 to 10 inches long.
How Many Green Terrors Are in a 55-Gallon Tank?
Green Terror Cichlids are named for the behavior they display when they become very territorial. While they are prone to aggression, that doesn’t mean they are impossible to keep in a tank. In fact, they are one of the most popular large freshwater fish in the world.
You have to give them a lot of space if you want to reduce their aggression, though. The reason they attack others in the aquarium is that they want to defend their territory. If they have enough space to roam around, they will feel less inclined to fight.
A 55-gallon tank is big enough for one Green Terror Cichlid. If you plan on hosting a pair, you might want to upgrade at least to a 75 gallons tank. If you have more than two, you want to add 35 gallons for each Terror Cichlid you acquire.
How Fast Do Green Terrors Grow?
How fast Green Terrors grow depends on their diet, tank conditions, and overall quality of care. If they get ample nutrients and protein every day, they will grow quite quickly.
Some young ones can grow about half an inch a month until they reach an older age. Others might grow more slowly in comparison to other Cichlids.
It really depends on the individual nature and personality of each fish. You can expect a baby Green Terror Cichlid to become fully grown within a few months, however.
Do Green Terror Cichlids Have Teeth?
Many aquarists and prospective Green Terror owners are worried about how easy it will be to clean out the tank when you have a pair of aggressive fish swimming around. Will they try to bite you every time you scrub the glass or drop in some food?
Thankfully, your Cichlids will usually pay you no mind. They are usually more afraid of your hand than you will be of their teeth.
Other creatures might have to be worried about being bitten by the straight rows of sharp teeth that these fish have. Green Terror Cichlids are mostly carnivorous in nature, so their teeth are designed to tear into flesh and pull it apart.
How Aggressive Are Green Terror Cichlids?
Green Terror Cichlids are one of the more aggressive freshwater fish that you can own as an at-home aquarist. Interestingly enough, females are usually more aggressive than males.
This is because these fish are very territorial, and they attack anyone who they think is encroaching on their space. They can attack members of their own species as well as other fish that are smaller than them.
To keep their aggression on the lower side, you need to give them a large tank to swim around in. You can also pair up two Cichlids to keep them at peace with each other and the other species in the tank.
Can You Keep Oscars with Green Terrors?
You may or may not be able to keep Oscars with your Green Terror Cichlids. Larger freshwater fish like these two species are very individualistic and come with such a wide range of personalities that the odds can really be hit or miss.
Some fish can get along if they grow up together, while others might not ever stop fighting.
Use caution when introducing Oscars to your Green Terror Cichlids, and vice versa. Make sure there is enough space in the tank for each of these bigger fish species to live peacefully with each other.
Overall, Oscars are moderately compatible with Green Terrors. There are other tank mate options that may be better for your aquarium.
Can a Jack Dempsey and Green Terror Mate?
Jack Dempseys and Green Terrors can make excellent companions and tank mates, especially when they grow up together. They are very similar in size, temperament, and even color scheme. Many people like to keep small groups of these two types of Cichlids together.
However, a Jack Dempsey and Green Terror cannot successfully mate. While it is possible for them to produce a spawn, it likely will be deformed and not very healthy. Any product of reproduction between these two species of fish will not live very long.
There may also be additional aggression and sexing problems between these two fish.
You might see these two species playing or fighting with one another, which makes them some of the most desirable freshwater fish of the larger aquarium community.
