Red Devil - Small

Red Devil – Small

The Red Devil (commonly known as the Midas Cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus) is a bold and highly recognisable freshwater species, admired for its striking peach to yellow coloration and strong personality. This fish is a favourite among experienced aquarists due to its intelligence, interaction with owners, and commanding presence within the aquarium.

Physical Characteristics:

Size: Red Devils can grow up to 30–38 cm (12–15 inches) in length as adults, though small specimens are considerably smaller.
Coloration:
Body: Typically displays a peach, orange, or yellow base colour, sometimes with a lighter or white underside.
Fins: Fins are often white or accented with white highlights, enhancing their overall appearance.
Shape: Robust and muscular body with a pronounced head and strong jaw structure, giving it a powerful look.

Behaviour:

Temperament: Highly aggressive and territorial, especially as it matures. Careful consideration is required when selecting tankmates.
Activity Level: Active and inquisitive, often interacting with its environment and rearranging tank décor.
Community Behaviour: Best kept alone or with other large, robust fish capable of defending themselves.

Aquarium Care:

Tank Size: A minimum of 200 litres is required, with larger tanks strongly recommended for adult specimens.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24°C to 28°C
pH: 6.5 to 7.5
Hardness: Moderate hardness is suitable
Tank Setup:
Substrate and Decorations: Use a sturdy substrate with rocks placed securely on the tank base, as this species is a digger and may destabilise stacked decorations.
Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable.
Filtration: Strong filtration is essential due to their size and waste production.

Diet:

The Red Devil is an omnivore and requires a varied, balanced diet:
Pellets: High-quality cichlid pellets should form the staple diet.
Live or Frozen Foods: Occasional treats such as brine shrimp or bloodworms.
Prepared Foods: Quality flake foods and ocean plankton can also be included.
Feed 1–2 times daily in appropriate portions.

Tankmates:

Due to its aggressive nature, tankmate selection is limited:
Suitable tankmates include other large, robust cichlids or similarly aggressive species.
Avoid small, passive, or slow-moving fish that may be bullied or eaten.

Breeding:

Breeding Setup: A spacious tank with flat surfaces for spawning.
Spawning Behaviour: Open spawners that lay eggs on horizontal, slanted, or vertical hard surfaces, with up to 1,000 eggs at a time.
Egg Care: Both parents form strong pairs and actively guard the eggs and territory.
Fry Care: Eggs hatch after approximately 3 days, with fry becoming free-swimming after around 5 days. Fry feed on a mucous secretion produced by the parents.

Special Considerations:

Aggression: Highly territorial, requiring careful planning of tankmates and layout.
Digging Behaviour: Known to rearrange substrate and decorations, so ensure all tank elements are secure.
Space Requirements: Requires ample swimming space and a stable environment for long-term health.