Size
Although a maximum of 30 cm (12 in) in length is feasible, a more typical size is 15 to 20 cm because fish do not scale to the size of their environment (6 to 8 in).
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
The dark olive green body of green terror cichlids is covered in broad, iridescent green and blue stripes. In addition to having bright orange stripes across the tips of their dorsal and tail fins, males also have an expanded nuchal hump. Green terrors can grow up to 12 inches long. They are best kept alone, with a 1:1 male to female ratio, or with fish of a similar size and temperament due to their aggressive attitude (jack Dempsey, fire mouths, flowerhorns).
Habitat
Green Terror, a tropical fish known as the cichlid thrives in water with a pH between 6.5 and 8.0, a water hardness of 25.0 dGH, and a temperature between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius (68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit).
In Captivity
- Taking Good Care Of a Pet in Tank
It doesn’t require much maintenance because it isn’t a demanding fish. Nevertheless, it is advised for experienced aquarists because the fish is picky about the water’s characteristics and needs high-quality food.
- Tank Size
Like many other giant cichlids from South America, the green terror needs a sizable tank with pure water. A tank with a capacity of 66 gal (or around 300 litres) is suggested for a fish couple. If there are other fish in the aquarium, the tank should be larger in proportion. Additionally, as is typically the case with giant cichlids, this one is fairly large and aggressive, so a roomy tank is required. When green terror is young, it can grow with other cichlid fish effectively, but as it gets older, it gets more aggressive, thus it’s best to keep the fish with other large, aggressive cichlid fish.
- Water Parameters
The water should not be too hard (5–20 dGH) and have a neutral pH because green terror is sensitive to these conditions (6.5-8.0). Water should be 77–82 °F (24–26 °C) in temperature. They can tolerate a temporary drop in water temperature of up to 64 °F (18 °C), but we don’t advise subjecting them to such strain.
- Feeding
In the wild, insects and their larva, worms, and other animals without spines make up the majority of the Green Terror’s diet. The fish are generally not picky, and in tank circumstances, they enthusiastically consume various kinds of food, including live, frozen, and artificial foods. Adult green terror fish are frequently fed non-fatty marine fish and prawns by aquarists. You should keep in mind that green terrors are predators and need substantial protein components in their diet while choosing the food in order to feed them appropriately. Given that huge adult animals have rather large mouths, the food size must likewise be appropriate.
In this situation, high-quality dry food for cichlids is a wise option. The finest food for adult species is constructed of huge floating sticks. They resemble the food that fish eat in the wild and remain on the water’s surface for a considerable amount of time. A balanced diet improves their immunity, vitality, and natural coloration. It is preferable to feed young animals flakes or tiny pellets. They need to be fed numerous times each day. Fish that are hungry may exhibit prey drive and attack other fish in the tank.
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