Green Terror Cichlid - 9cm

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Aquidens rivulatus
• Common Name: Green Terror
• Adult Size: 8–12 inches (20–30 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 7–10 years
• Habitat: Slow-moving rivers and streams with sandy or muddy substrates in South America, especially in Ecuador and northern Peru.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons for a single fish; larger (75+ gallons) for a pair or community
• Ideal Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
• pH Range: 6.5–8.0
• Water Hardness: 5–20 dGH
• Temperament: Aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding. Best kept with similarly sized or robust fish, or alone.

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes. Green Terrors thrive on a varied diet including high-quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods (such as bloodworms, brine shrimp), and some vegetables like spinach or peas.

Appearance

• Coloration: Vibrant green to blue body with metallic iridescence. Mature males may have a pronounced forehead hump (nuchal hump) and brighter coloration.
• Fins: Long, pointed dorsal and anal fins often outlined in bright orange or white.

Distinctive Features

• Bright, metallic coloration that intensifies with age and breeding condition
• Nuchal hump in mature males
• Highly territorial behavior during spawning