False Green Terror - Andinoacara rivulatus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
False Green Terrors (Andinoacara rivulatus) are captivating freshwater Cichlids known for their striking appearance and robust nature. Their vibrant colouration, subject to mood and environmental influences, has made them a sought-after choice for seasoned aquarists seeking an engaging addition to their tanks.
These Cichlids, characterized by pronounced territoriality and aggression, are best housed individually or as a confirmed compatible male-female pair. When maintaining a pair in a more confined aquarium, it's crucial to ensure they are the sole Cichlids present, as potential tankmates may face aggression and harm, particularly during breeding. In larger, more spacious tanks with a single False Green Terror, consideration can be given to cohabiting with other sturdy Cichlids like Wolf Cichlids and Jaguar Cichlids, sizable armoured Catfish, Silver Dollars, or large Barbs. However, it's essential to note that these predatory Cichlids can prey on creatures smaller than their fully extended jaw dimensions.
To create an ideal habitat for False Green Terrors, a spacious aquarium environment is essential. This includes a soft sand substrate, ample hiding spots, and strategic use of visual barriers like driftwood, rocky caves, and hardy plantings such as Java Fern or Anubias, securely attached to decor. Incorporating floating plant species can enhance the setup. Efficient filtration is vital for water quality maintenance, with consideration for avoiding excessive water movement. Regular, modest water changes are recommended to maintain low nitrate levels and provide optimal conditions for these captivating fish.
False Green Terrors possess distinctive physical traits, notably a pronounced forehead, more prominent in adult males, marked by a forehead hump composed of fatty tissue. Their appearance closely resembles A. stalsbergi, sharing traits such as size, cheek colour patterns, and light vertical stripes positioned anteriorly and posteriorly to the rectangular midlateral spot. These Cichlids exhibit polymorphism, displaying either a thick white tail and dorsal fin edging or robust orangy-red seams on the caudal and dorsal fins, with scales featuring a dark centre and light blue or green edges.
False Green Terror Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Differentiating between male and female False Green Terrors is a relatively straightforward task. Mature males showcase distinct traits, including larger physical size, intensified colouration, extensions of the anal and dorsal fins, and the formation of a notable nuchal hump. These pronounced humps, typically absent in their female counterparts, typically manifest exclusively during the breeding season in their native environments. Nevertheless, within aquarium environments, it is not uncommon for numerous individuals to exhibit significant and permanent hump development.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Andinoacara rivulatus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1860 |
| Other Names | Gold Saum, Orange Saum, White Saum |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Andinoacara |
| Origins | Peru , Ecuador |
| Max Size | 30 cm |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Pairs |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 10 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 25 |
| ℉ | 68 - 75 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 24 |
Natural Habitat
False Green Terrors are indigenous to the Pacific region of South America, specifically ranging from the Tumbes River in Peru to the Esmeraldas River in Ecuador. These Cichlids are primarily found in coastal aquatic environments, which encompass a variety of habitats, such as streams and rivers within this geographical range.
Breeding
Breeding False Green Terrors within a home aquarium requires thoughtful planning and is best achieved when establishing a compatible mated pair. Merely introducing a male and female together can lead to long-term issues and potential harm to the female by the male. To promote a harmonious pair, it is advisable to initially employ a transparent divider, allowing the fish to acclimate to each other's presence for several weeks while closely monitoring their interactions.
When False Green Terrors initiate breeding, accommodating tankmates becomes unfeasible, necessitating the relocation of other fish for their safety. Successful breeding is encouraged by maintaining soft, slightly acidic water conditions with the temperature set at the higher end of their preferred range, alongside conditioning the fish with a diet rich in frozen foods.
Spawning typically follows a significant, cool water change. The pair will meticulously select and prepare a spawning site, often a flat rock or a pit within the substrate. The female deposits a line of eggs, which are subsequently fertilized by the male. This process repeats until approximately 600 eggs are laid and fertilized, with hatching generally occurring within 3 to 4 days. During this phase, the female tends to the eggs while the male vigilantly guards the surroundings.
After hatching, the fry is relocated to a pre-dug pit within the substrate, where they remain until their yolk sacs are fully absorbed, typically within another week. Subsequently, the young become free-swimming and can be provided with a diet comprising baby brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii) and powdered first foods. It is advisable to leave the fry under the care of the parents until their parental involvement diminishes, typically after 4 to 6 weeks. Premature removal may prompt the male to initiate another spawning attempt with the female, potentially leading to harm if she is unreceptive, necessitating vigilant observation during this phase.
Diet & Feeding
False Green Terrors exhibit an omnivorous dietary preference. In their native habitat, they engage in foraging activities targeting small invertebrates, insect larvae, and crustaceans while also incorporating algae and plant matter into their diet. When housed within a home aquarium, it is imperative to maintain a balanced nutritional intake.
This can be achieved by offering high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes specifically designed to meet their dietary requirements. Additionally, diversifying their diet with live or frozen options such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia is crucial for replicating their natural feeding habits, sustaining their health, and enhancing their vibrant colouration. A comprehensive and varied diet contributes significantly to the overall well-being and appearance of these fish in captivity.
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