Candidate
Electric blue acara
Andinoacara pulcher
Open full care profile →Photo identification · reviewed 2026-07-31
Electric blue acara vs green terror
Face markings, fin edging and body proportions help separate two blue-green cichlids with very different aggression risk.
Candidate
Green terror cichlid
Andinoacara rivulatus
Open full care profile →Interactive observation guide
Inspect one clue at a time
Use the photographs above, then select each clue. Do not make an identification from one feature alone.
Electric blue acaras have an intense, relatively even blue spangling and a rounder, less heavy head profile.
Care reality check
Compare the adult requirements
A visual identification changes which limits you should plan around.
| Requirement | Electric blue acara | Green terror cichlid |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 12–16 cm | 20–30 cm |
| Minimum tank | 150 L · 100 cm | 300 L · 150 cm |
| Temperature | 23–28°C | 22–28°C |
| pH | 6–8 | 6.5–8 |
| GH | 5–20 dGH | 8–25 dGH |
| Social minimum | 1 | 1 |
| Temperament | semi-aggressive | aggressive |
Visible differences
Clues to inspect
- Electric blue acaras have an intense, relatively even blue spangling and a rounder, less heavy head profile.
- Green terrors typically show stronger orange or white edging to the dorsal and tail fins with more broken turquoise facial lines.
- Adult male green terrors may develop a pronounced forehead hump and heavier jaw.
Shared traits
Why they are confused
- Both are South American cichlids that become territorial.
- Both change colour with age, mood and breeding condition.
Why it matters
Do not stop at the name
Green terrors grow larger and present a much higher territorial risk, making misidentification a serious stocking error.
Uncertainty
When a photo is not enough
Juveniles and hybrid domestic strains can be ambiguous. Seek provenance and plan for the more demanding possibility until confirmed.