Description

🐟 Red Devil Cichlid

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Amphilophus labiatus

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Central America (Nicaragua, Honduras)

• Size: 12 – 15 inches (30 – 38 cm)

• Lifespan: 10 – 12 years

• Tank Zone: Mid to Bottom

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 150 – 250 ppm

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 6 – 12 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Fiery red, orange, or yellow body with strong build.

• Known for huge lips and nuchal hump (especially males).

• Very territorial and aggressive, true “tank boss” fish.

• Intelligent – can recognize their owner and show personality.

• Strong jaws – may damage decorations and bite during cleaning.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous (with carnivorous preference)

• Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets, earthworms, crickets, shrimp, bloodworms, vegetables (peas, spinach).

• Feeding: 2 times daily, avoid overfeeding.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (single), 100+ gallons for pair.

• Filtration: Strong – messy and powerful fish.

• Decor: Heavy rocks and driftwood (they dig and rearrange).

• Water Change: 30–40% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Best kept single or as a bonded pair.

• Tank Mates: Other large, aggressive cichlids (Midas, Oscar, Jaguar, Plecos).

• Avoid: Small, peaceful fish – will be attacked or eaten.

✅ Do’s

• Provide a large tank with strong filtration.

• Add sturdy decorations (they love digging).

• Feed a varied diet for color and health.

• Keep a tight lid – powerful jumpers.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t house with small or weak fish.

• Don’t keep multiple males in the same tank.

• Don’t overcrowd – leads to nonstop aggression.

• Don’t skip water changes – they are heavy waste producers.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Red Devil Cichlids are bold, aggressive, and full of personality.

• They are often kept as wet pets, interacting with their owners.

• Best suited for experienced aquarists with large aquariums.