The green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus, syn. Aequidens rivulatus), also known as the gold saum, is a colorful freshwater fish in the cichlid family. The fish originates from the Pacific side of South America from the Tumbes River in Peru to the Esmeraldas River in Ecuador. It is polymorphic and can have white or gold-orange edging to the tail and dorsal fins. It has historically been confused with two other species that always have narrow, clearly defined white edging, the more southernly distributed A. stalsbergi (often considered the "true" green terror) and the more northernly A. blombergi.
Males of A. rivulatus grow larger than females and may reach lengths of up to 30Â cm (12Â in). Females are sexually mature at around 12Â cm (4.7Â in).
As the name implies, late juvenile-phase and adult-phase specimens can be very aggressive. This is not guaranteed, however, and peaceful individuals can be observed. Juveniles of A. rivulatus are often sold in aquarium stores. This species is not to be confused with the blue acara (A. pulcher) which is similar in appearance; the blue acara is not as aggressive and does not grow as large as the gold saum.
The fish is somewhat deep-bodied, possessing a prominent forehead. Adult males develop a pronounced forehead hump, composed of fatty tissue. 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.
In nature, A. rivulatus lives in a tropical climate and prefers water with a 6.5â€"8.0 pH, a water hardness of 25.0 dGH, and a temperature range of 20â€"24 °C (68â€"75 °F).
In the aquarium hobby
A. rivulatus is a popular fish in the aquarium trade and is noted for its hardiness, as well as its aesthetic appeal. These characteristics make it ideal for beginning aquarists or for enthusiasts who prefer to avoid managing the strict water parameters required for other fish species. They are ambitious eaters, and do well on a variety of foods including cichlid pellets, flakes, bloodworms, and shrimp.
Size potential and factors influencing growth
A. rivulatus may grow up to 30 cm (12 in) in length; however, 6â€" to 8-in lengths are more typical. Factors influencing maximum size attainment can be size of the aquarium relative to population density or the size of the tank relative to the maximum size potential of the fish, water condition and availability of food.
Breeding and assimilation of offspring
A. rivulatus can be successfully bred around 8 cm (3.1 in). Reproduction can be incited by isolating a breeding pair (each from distinct lineages), raising the water temperature to around 80°F, and providing a flat, textured surface (such as a flat rock or pottery fragment) on which the female can deposit her eggs. Upon reaching 3â€"4 inches in length, A. rivulatus may be integrated into aquariums with larger cichlids. A significant size disparity between newly added fish and existing fish can retard optimum growth rates of the still-maturing fish. Larger fish, particularly A. ocellatus (oscar cichlid) may feed so aggressively that smaller fish may be unable to ingest adequate quantities of food.
Compatibility with other cichlid species
The inherent aggressiveness of A. rivulatus makes them ideal for aquarists who wish to add variety to their cichlid aquarium. With the exception of fully mature P. dovii (wolf cichlid) and P. managuense (jaguar cichlid), which rarely cohabit peacefully, A. rivulatus is cunning enough to surviveâ€"and even thriveâ€"with larger cichlids. However, as a rule, a preying cichlid is capable of consuming any animal whose dimensions are inferior to that of the cichlid's fully expanded jaw. A. rivulatus of an appropriate size can often be assimilated with R. octofasciata (Jack Dempsey cichlid), A. citrinellus (midas cichlid), T. meeki (firemouth cichlid), flowerhorns (no scientific designation), smaller P. managuense (jaquar cichlid) and P. dovii (wolf cichlid), and other similarly aggressive cichlids.
Role in hormone research
A. rivulatus has also been used as a model for the effects of testosterone on lateralization.
See also
- List of freshwater aquarium fish species
References
- "Aequidens rivulatus". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved June 22, 2005.Â