| Green terror | |
|---|---|
| A male Green terror cichlid. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Subfamily: | Cichlasomatinae |
| Genus: | Andinoacara |
| Species: | A. rivulatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Andinoacara rivulatus (Günther, 1860) |
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The green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus) is a colorful freshwater fish in the cichlid family. The fish originate on the Pacific side of South America in the coastal waters from the Tumbes River in Peru to the Esmeraldas River in Ecuador. Males and females may reach lengths of 30 centimetres (12 in). Females are sexually mature at around 12 centimetres (4.7 in)
As the name implies this species can be very aggressive, especially adult specimens. This is not guaranteed, however, and peaceful individuals are often observed. Juvenile green terrors are often sold in pet shops for the aquarium hobby, as well as fish similar enough to be mistaken for this species (including the blue acara, Andinoacara pulcher).
The fish is somewhat deep-bodied with a prominent head. Adult males develop a pronounced forehead hump, a common cichlid trait. Juveniles are tan colored with silver-blue flecks and lack the bright iridescent blue, green, and orange coloration and long, flowing fins of adult specimens.
Green terrors natively live in a tropical climate and prefer water with a 6.5–8.0 pH, a water hardness of 25.0 dGH, and a temperature range of 20–24 °C (68–75 °F).
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The green terror is a popular fish in the aquarium trade and is known to be a hardy fish that is relatively easy to keep. They are good eaters, and do well on a variety of foods including cichlid pellets, flakes, bloodworms, and shrimp. Some owners report that a varied diet improves the coloration of the fish. Some owners report fish with calm temperaments that get along well with other species. Others find the fish to fully live up to its name, “terror”. Generally, juveniles are more docile, while adults tend to get more aggressive as they mature. Most get very territorial around breeding time, and should be kept separately during this period if problems arise. There is some indication that keeping the Green terror well fed helps prevent fighting. [1] Grows up to 30 centimeters (12 inches).
The green terror will also soon become the new mascot for McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. This change will be implemented next year, after all sport seasons have closed. This change is coming because of the controversy surrounding the current mascot and because the green terror can be implemented as the new mascot without a change to the team's name.
Green Terror Cichlids can be successfully bred around 8 centimetres (3.1 in). It is a very aggressive Cichlid, due to its high power; Green Terrors have the potential to fight a Jaguar Cichlid whether defending its young or not. It has powerful jaws and will defend its young with its life.