False Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
False Green Terror is a middle swimmer. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with False Green Terror?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 119 US gal (450 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- Middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 68–75°F (20–24°C)
- pH
- 6.5–8
- GH
- 5–25 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years
- Group behavior
- Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.
Lifespan: up to 10 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 119 US gal (450 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 20–24 °C, pH 6.5–8, GH 5–25 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
False Green Terror is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.
- Community safe
- No
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, False Green Terror should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Feed a balanced omnivorous cichlid diet with plant matter and appropriate live/frozen aquatic animal foods; avoid fatty terrestrial meat.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 119 US gal (450 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Peru, Ecuador.
Important notes
- Do not mistake Gold/Orange/White Saum A. rivulatus for lookalike A. stalsbergi; verify provenance.
- A bonded pair is conditional; an unacquainted male may seriously injure or kill a female. Six juveniles for pair selection does not mean keep six adults.
- Volume advice disagrees substantially across independently inspected sources; at least 150×45 cm footprint is independently matched, but litre minimum remains unresolved.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does False Green Terror get?
False Green Terror reaches ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.
What aquarium size does False Green Terror need?
Use an aquarium of at least 119 US gal (450 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
Is False Green Terror peaceful?
False Green Terror should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.
What temperature is suitable for False Green Terror?
Keep it between 20 to 24 °C.
Should False Green Terror be kept alone or in a group?
False Green Terror: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
