Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Midas Cichlid

Amphilophus citrinellus (Günther, 1864)

Also called Red devil (shared nickname)

SpeciesShort profile

From Central America: the San Juan River basin of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, including Lakes Nicaragua, Managua, Masaya and Apoyo, in lakes and slow rivers with rocky shores.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length24 to 35 cm1 2

Sizelarge

Bright gold and orange colour forms

Intelligent and interactive

Excellent parents

2 1 3

Looks how to spot one

Large, heavy-bodied cichlid

A thickset cichlid with a deep body. Most wild fish are grey to olive-brown with dark bars, but some turn gold, orange, yellow or white as they grow. Mature males develop a prominent forehead hump and longer fins.3 1 2

Coloursgrey to olive-brown with dark barsgoldorangeyellowredwhite1 3 2

Personality what they are like

A powerful, highly territorial fish with a big personality. It is clever and responsive to its keeper, and best kept alone or as a pair.2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Busy and inquisitive; it digs and moves decor, so heavy items need to be fixed in place.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Strong filtration and frequent water changes; protect heaters and equipment, and use a secure lid.2

Home where they are happiest

Minimum base of about 150 x 45 cm for one fish, more for a pair; sand, solid rockwork and caves, no delicate plants. Water about 21 to 26 C in aquariums (FishBase gives 23 to 33 C in the wild), pH roughly 6.0 to 8.0, hardness 5 to 25 dGH.2 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore: cichlid pellets as a staple, plus earthworms, prawns, mussels and vegetables.2 1

Company who they like around

Pairs spawn in caves and both parents guard the eggs and fry.1 2

The story where it all began

Günther described the Midas cichlid in 1864 from Nicaraguan lakes. Its crater-lake relatives have become a classic model for studying how new fish species form, and gold forms bred in captivity made it a favourite with big-cichlid keepers.1 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
About one in ten wild fish turn from grey to gold, orange or white as they grow.1
2
Populations in volcanic crater lakes such as Apoyo have split into new species, a famous example studied by scientists.3
3
Pairs like to spawn on the ceilings of caves.1
4
A single spawn can be 300 to 1,000 eggs.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 7 November 2019)1
Taxonomy: Described by Günther in 1864; formerly in Cichlasoma; part of the Midas cichlid species complex3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Midas Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Feedingevery day
Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Filter rinseevery 2 weeks

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Midas Cichlid?

Feed your Midas Cichlid once a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and you can adjust the amount based on the food label and your vet's advice.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Midas Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Midas Cichlid is an omnivore and enjoys cichlid pellets as a staple, plus earthworms, prawns, mussels, and vegetables. Never feed it anything that could harm it, such as live feeder fish or foods with preservatives; always ask your vet for a safe list.2 1

How much space does a Midas Cichlid need?

A single Midas Cichlid needs a tank with a minimum base of about 150 x 45 cm, and more space is needed for a pair. Provide sand, solid rockwork, and caves, and avoid delicate plants.2 1

What temperature, light or water does a Midas Cichlid need?

Keep the water temperature between 21 and 26°C in the aquarium, with a pH of roughly 6.0 to 8.0 and hardness of 5 to 25 dGH. Use strong filtration and a secure lid, and protect heaters and equipment from this digging fish.2 1

How often should I clean a Midas Cichlid's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan recommends a weekly water change of about 30 to 50% and a weekly water test. Rinse the filter every two weeks to keep the environment healthy.2 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Midas Cichlid live with others?

This fish is powerful and highly territorial, so it is best kept alone or as a pair. Pairs spawn in caves and both parents guard the eggs and fry, but tank mates are not recommended.2 3 1

How long does a Midas Cichlid live?

The lifespan of a Midas Cichlid varies depending on care and environment. For a more accurate estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder.

Can I handle a Midas Cichlid?

It is best not to handle your Midas Cichlid, as it can be stressed by handling and may injure itself or you. Instead, enjoy watching its clever and responsive personality from outside the tank.2 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Red Devil Cichlid

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Texas Cichlid

Flowerhorn Cichlid

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Amphilophus citrinellus fishbase.seused for taxonomy, range, size, temperature, IUCN, colour morphs, breeding
Seriously Fish: Amphilophus citrinellus seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank size, water, diet, behaviour, breeding
Wikipedia: Midas cichlid en.wikipedia.orgused for names, taxonomy, colour, speciation fun fact

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.