Juvenile Gold Saum
Scientific Name: Andinoacara sp. "Goldsaum"
Common Name(s): (False) Green Terror, Gold Saum
Distribution: Rivers and Streams of Northern Peru & Southern Ecuador
Size: 11"
Temperature: 25C or 78°F
pH: 6 - 7.5
General Characteristics
Andinoacara sp. or Gold Saum is commonly labeled in North American pet stores as a Green Terror but this is not true. Aequidens rivulatus is the "True Green Terror" (although there is debate that Andinoacara stalsbergi is the "original" Green Terror) and has virtually disappeared from the hobby over the last decade or so. Saums feature green face color striations that are well pronounced. Mature males will develop a nuchal hump and some females in solitary will do the same as well. Their overall agression is similar to a Jack Dempsey thus not as agressive as it's Central American cousins in my experience but are quite skittish and spook easily.
Aquarium Set Up
Setups should be similar to a typical South American Cichlid setup and be a min of 55 gallons and a 75 being more ideal for one. Provide lots of blinds and caves for hideouts (rocks, driftwood, pots, caves, artificial plants) for territory. Avoid smaller species of fish that could be small enough to be considered a meal or unable to defend against aggression. Compatible tankmates can include Jacks, Oscars, Firemouth or other larger cichlid of similar temperment. Due to thier agression it is wise to introduce this species with other juvinile species for the best chance of compatibility though with this fish it is always (like most cichlids) a hit and miss it will get along with tank mates so caution should be exercised. Filtration should also be the same as larger cichlids due to its size and eating habits.
Feeding
Gold Saums will eat just about anything they can fit in their mouth. Being omnivorous they require a diet that has variety such as a high quality cichlid pellet or flake, beef heart, shrimp, krill, greens and even the occasional insect like crickets. Home made foods high in protein such as the Beef Heart Recipe is suggested for them.
Breeding
Primarily substrate spawners but are also known to use caves or hideouts. Parental care is excellent as both fish participate in the protecting and rearing of the fry. During this time Saums are extreemly agressive and I do not reccomend tankmates for a spawning pair. Things will get ugly very fast.
Sexing
Like Oscars sexing is quite difficult. Observation is usually the best way.
Males usually have longer dorsal and anal fins and sport a nuchal hump. Body spangles on males usually start very close to the gill plates. Females are typically smaller than the males although this is not always a reliable.
