Red Devil Cichlid

Amphilophus Citrinellum & Amphilophus labiatum

The red devil cichlid is one of the true aggressors of the mature American cichlids. There are two varieties that share the red devil name - the Amphilophus citrinellum, which is the type usually found in Australia and the Amphilophus labiatum, a thick lipped variety not usually on offer here. In some circles it is also known as the Midas cichlid.

Red Devil Description

The red devil will grow from 12 up to 18 inches. The males have a very dominant nuchlal (forehead) hump. They are extremely territorial and by reputation extremely hostile to most other cichlids. For this reason they are most often kept alone in a tank just for the red devil.

The Red Devil originally comes from Nicaragua although most found in aquariums are from local spawns or imported from Germany or USA. Of all of the Americans, the Red Devil is one of the most striking. In their early stages they can be a yellow with brown blotches but as they mature take on an overall pink colour which sometimes deepens to a red. With their trailing dorsal and underfins, and the dominant hump in mature males they are very unusual.

Water For Red Devil Cichlids

Along with most of their fellow South Americans they require a neutral to slightly acid pH and soft water. Whilst not real picky they need clean water (good filtration) and regular water changes. In my experience they are fairly prone to white spot but this is easily reversed with a good water change and correct treatment.

A True Red Devil Fish Story

My own red devil cichlid experience is based only on the 14-inch male that I’ve raised from a 2-inch juvenile - “Mister Bubbles”. He is without doubt the tamest fish I’ve ever kept in 25 years and the closest thing I’ve ever seen in mannerism and response to a ‘puppy dog’. He has lived solo for most of his life and presently occupies a 4×2-ft tank by himself. Initially this was because of his aggression to other fish but sadly now, because of his lack of interaction with other large cichlids, is to protect him. I recently tried to introduce him to a 6×2 tank with a Black Belt and Petenia splendida who hammered him so badly that I had to rescue him. He remained in shock for three days when placed back in his own tank. This in no way suggests placing a Red Devil with other fish without monitoring it closely - this is just my experience.

Food For A Red Devil Cichlid

My red revil cichlid “Mister Bubbles” eats Arrowana pellets and earthworms. The earthworms can not be too large, if they are too big they scare him. What can I say - he’s a wuss! He also eats chicken & mealworms though not too often because they’re fatty and he loves blocks of frozen bloodworms.

Summing Up The Red Devil Fish

If you want a real ‘pet’ fish - this is the one for you. A 4 x 2 foot tank for one mature specimen is absolute minimum They really do need regular water changes but are hardy, easy and very rewarding to keep. Article by Nick Grant with modifications.

Red Devil Cichlid Video