As the name implies this species can be very aggressive, especially adult specimens. This is not guaranteed, however, and peaceful individuals are often observed. Juvenile green terrors are often sold in pet shops for the aquarium hobby, as well as fish similar enough to be mistaken for this species (including the blue acara, Andinoacara pulcher).
The fish is somewhat deep-bodied with a prominent head. Adult males develop a pronounced forehead hump, a common cichlid trait. Juveniles are tan colored with silver-blue flecks and lack the bright iridescent blue, green, and orange coloration and long, flowing fins of adult specimens.
Green terrors natively live in a tropical climate and prefer water with a 6.5–8.0 pH, a water hardness of 25.0 dGH, and a temperature range of 20–24 °C (79–86 °F).
