Midas Cichlid

fish description – Midas Cichlid Care Guide ($Amphilophus\ citrinellus$)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Amphilophus\ citrinellus$
Common Name	Midas Cichlid, Yellow/Red Midas Cichlid
Origin	Lakes of Nicaragua and Costa Rica (Central America)
Adult Size	10–14 inches (25–35 cm)
Temperament	Extremely Aggressive, Highly Territorial, Solitary
Lifespan	10–15 years
Care Level	Advanced (due to aggression, size, and maintenance)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A robust, deep-bodied cichlid with thick lips and strong jaws. Adults are famous for their solid orange, yellow, or red coloration. Mature males develop a distinctive, fatty nuchal hump on the forehead, which enlarges during breeding.
• Coloration: Wild specimens are typically grey/brown, but captive-bred fish are usually yellow, gold, or vibrant red. Males are larger and develop the nuchal hump and extended fin rays. Females are smaller and rounder-bodied, with a less prominent or absent hump.
• Fins: Large, pointed fins that are used in vigorous displays of dominance.
• Behavior: Highly aggressive and territorial. They are active diggers and will enthusiastically move and uproot all unsecured decor and plants. They should be kept solitary or as a proven pair in a very large tank.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (280 liters) is the minimum for a single adult. A 125-gallon tank or larger is necessary for a breeding pair or if attempting to keep with large, compatible tank mates. The tank should be long and wide.
• Schooling: Best kept as a solitary specimen (species-only tank) or a single, confirmed breeding pair. Aggression is intense toward its own kind and similar-looking cichlids.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $72^\circ$–$82^\circ\text{F}\ (22^\circ$–$28^\circ\mathrm{C})$ (ideally $75^\circ$–$79^\circ\text{F}$).
• pH Level: Neutral to slightly alkaline: 6.5 to 8.0. They are messy fish and require powerful, oversized filtration and large, frequent water changes (25–40% weekly) to control high nitrate levels and prevent diseases like Hole-in-the-Head (HITH). Water flow should be moderate.
• Aquascape: Requires a soft sand substrate (essential for their digging). Use large, smooth rocks and securely anchored driftwood to create sheltered areas and visual barriers. Avoid live plants as they will be uprooted and eaten. All decor must be fastened down firmly (e.g., siliconed to the tank bottom).

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Midas Cichlid is a large, opportunistic omnivore.

• Staple Diet: High-quality large cichlid pellets or sticks formulated for Central American omnivores.
• Supplementation: A varied diet is essential. Offer protein-rich frozen or live foods regularly: Earthworms, Crickets, Chopped Krill/Prawns, and Bloodworms. Vegetable matter (blanched peas, spirulina) should be included to aid digestion and prevent bloat.
• Schedule: Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions that are consumed quickly. They are boisterous at feeding time; observe carefully to ensure they are getting their food.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Extremely aggressive and territorial. Best kept in a species-only tank unless you are highly experienced and can provide a very large aquarium. Will aggressively attack and kill smaller fish and attack those that look similar (like Red Devils).
• Good Tank Mates (in very large tanks): Only the largest, most robust, and durable fish that can defend themselves. Examples include Oscars, Jaguars, large Plecos (e.g., Panaque), and large armored catfish (e.g., Synodontis). Tank mates are always a risk with this fish.