Commonly sold in the aquarium trade as the 'Green Terror', the Gold Saum (technically Andinoacara rivulatus) is a stunning but highly aggressive Neotropical cichlid. Males develop magnificent iridescent scales, orange/gold-edged fins, and a pronounced nuchal hump. Due to their territorial nature and large adult size, they are best kept as solitary centerpiece fish or with highly robust, similarly-sized tank mates. They are avid diggers and will uproot or destroy most live plants.
Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum At a Glance
Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum Tank Requirements
Will Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum Water Parameters
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Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum Temperament & Compatibility
Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Adult / Standard)
The standard 'show' fish. Adult males develop a prominent nuchal hump (forehead), stunning iridescent coloration, and striking orange/gold fin edges. Highly territorial; best kept alone or with heavily armored catfish.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Bull, Male Green Terror, Show Male, Standard
Female (Adult)
Females remain significantly smaller than males, lacking the pronounced hump and extreme trailing finnage. They are slightly less aggressive in a standard setup but will become fiercely aggressive if breeding.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Green Terror, Girl
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Common pet-store availability (around 2-3 inches). Juveniles lack adult colors and humps. While they can be temporarily housed in a smaller grow-out tank, they grow very rapidly and will quickly require a massive tank upgrade to prevent stunting.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Green Terror, Juvenile
Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum Care Guide Summary
The Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum, scientifically known as Andinoacara sp. "Gold Saum", belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 25 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 25°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male (Adult / Standard), Female (Adult), and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum
How big does Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum get?
Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum (Andinoacara sp. "Gold Saum") typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 25 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum need?
Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–25°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum peaceful or aggressive?
Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Does Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum
These plants pair well with Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum
White Saum (Green Terror)
Andinoacara stalsbergi
Often sold interchangeably under the name 'Green Terror', Andinoacara stalsbergi (the White Saum) is a highly aggressive and territorial South American cichlid. It differs from the true Green Terror (A. rivulatus / Gold Saum) by having striking white edging on its fins rather than orange. They require large tanks, excellent filtration, and are best kept singly or with other robust, similar-sized fish that can hold their own.
Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
A large, incredibly colorful, and highly aggressive South American cichlid. Known for their striking metallic green/blue scales and vibrant orange or white tail margins. As their name suggests, they are highly territorial and require very careful tankmate selection, usually only coexisting with other large, robust cichlids or armored catfish in very large tanks.
Red Terror (Festa's Cichlid)
Mesoheros festae
A massive, apex-predator South American cichlid. Known as the 'Red Terror' due to its absolute intolerance of tank mates and extreme territorial aggression. They are powerful 'glass-bangers' that will uproot plants, rearrange decor, and kill fish of similar or even larger size. Best kept completely alone or as a strictly bonded pair in a massive aquarium.
Gold Barb
Barbodes semifasciolatus
A highly active, peaceful schooling fish. The common 'Gold' variant is a captive-bred color morph (Schuberti) of the wild Green Barb. They are remarkably hardy and prefer slightly cooler sub-tropical water, making them excellent candidates for unheated indoor aquariums.
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
Aequidens sp. 'Jenaro Herrera'
An undescribed and beautifully colored South American cichlid hailing from the Peruvian Amazon (Rio Itaya/Ucayali drainages). Often confused in the trade with Aequidens diadema, this species features an attractive green-gold metallic sheen and reddish fins as it matures. They are relatively peaceful for mid-sized cichlids but will aggressively defend their territory during spawning and are capable predators of small fish.
Blue Point Cichlid
Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus
The Blue Point Cichlid (formerly Aequidens coeruleopunctatus) is a medium-sized Central and South American cichlid closely related to the Green Terror, but notably less aggressive. They are benthopelagic omnivores with a natural tendency to sift and dig through sandy substrates. While relatively peaceful for a cichlid of its size, it remains highly territorial during breeding and dominant males are completely intolerant of rival males.