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| Aequidens rivulatus (The Green Terror) |
| Family: |
Cichlidae |
| Maximum Size: |
8.0" (20.0cm) |
| Distribution: |
Pacific slope of South America from Ecuador (Rio Esmeraldas) to Peru (Rio Tumbes) |
| Temperature Range: |
68-75oF (20-24oC) |
| pH Range: |
6.5 to 8.0 |
| Water Hardness: |
up to 25 dH |
 Aequidens rivulatus can be just what its common name suggests - a terror. These fish are big and can be territorial. They are best kept in a large aquarium, 55 gallons at the minimum. Omnivorous by nature, they will usually take almost any food offered. Too often this includes smaller tank mates that can fit in their mouths. For this reason, tankmates should all be similar in size and temperament. Provide driftwood and caves to create a comfortable environment. Plants always make a tank look nice, but chances are good that they will be uprooted. Like all big, messy eaters, A. rivulatus requires top-notch filtration and frequent water changes. If trying the breed this species, the best approach is to buy a small group of six or so and let them pair off naturally. A pair will usually spawn on a flat stone, the female depositing up to 400 eggs. Water chemistry is not critical as this species has been known to spawn in hard or soft water and high or low pH. Both parents help to care for the young. Feed fry newly hatched brine shrimp or finely ground flake food. |
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