Red Devil

Name: Red Devil
SKU: 15883
Availability: InStock

₹250

The Red Devil Cichlid ( $Amphilophus\ labiatus$ ) is a large, highly aggressive, and territorial cichlid from Central America. Known for its strong personality and vibrant red/orange coloration, this fish is prone to digging and rearranging decor. It is best suited for experienced aquarists who can dedicate a spacious tank to a solitary individual or a compatible breeding pair.

Categories: Cichlids, Fish Specific

Description

fish description – Red Devil Cichlid Care Guide ( $Amphilophus\ labiatus$ )

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Amphilophus\ labiatus$
Common Name	Red Devil Cichlid, Labiatus Cichlid, Devil Fish
Origin	Lakes and river systems of Nicaragua (Central America)
Adult Size	10–12 inches (25–30 cm) (Can grow up to 15 inches in the wild)
Temperament	Extremely Aggressive, Highly Territorial, Solitary
Lifespan	10–15 years
Care Level	Advanced (due to aggression, size, and need for maintenance)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

Short Description: A large, robust cichlid with a powerful build, thick lips, and a strong jaw. It is most often sold in its solid bright red or orange color morph. Males often develop a subtle nuchal hump (forehead growth) as they mature.
Coloration: Varies, but the most popular form is a solid, vivid red or orange. Males are generally larger, have a more convex head profile (nuchal hump), and have more pointed dorsal and anal fins. Females are slightly smaller and fuller-bodied.
Fins: Strong, thick fins that are well-adapted for fighting and asserting dominance.
Behavior: Fiercely territorial and aggressive. They are active diggers and will rearrange the substrate and decor to their liking. They are highly interactive with keepers but will attack and kill most tank mates.

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 required for a compatible adult pair.
Schooling: Best kept as a solitary centerpiece fish (species-only tank). If a bonded pair is kept, the tank must be very large (125+ gallons) with ample visual barriers. Never keep two non-mated males together.
Temperature: Tropical range: $75^\circ$ – $79^\circ\text{F}\ (24^\circ$ – $26^\circ\mathrm{C})$ (up to $82^\circ\text{F}$ is tolerated).
pH Level: Neutral to slightly alkaline: 6.5 to 8.0 (or higher, depending on origin). They require powerful filtration and large, frequent water changes (25–30% weekly) to manage the massive amount of waste they produce. Water flow should be moderate.
Aquascape: Requires a fine sand substrate (they love to dig). Use large, smooth rocks and securely anchored driftwood to create caves and barriers; unsecured decor will be moved or toppled. Avoid live plants as they will likely be uprooted or eaten. All equipment (heaters, filters) must be protected or hidden outside the tank.

Diet and Feeding

The Red Devil Cichlid is a large, opportunistic omnivore that requires a varied diet.

Staple Diet: High-quality large cichlid pellets or sticks formulated for Central/South American omnivorous cichlids.
Supplementation: A varied diet is essential. Offer protein-rich frozen or live foods regularly: Earthworms, Crickets, Chopped Prawns/Krill, and Bloodworms. Also require vegetable matter: blanched peas, lettuce, or spirulina flakes.
Schedule: Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions that are consumed quickly. Overfeeding can lead to health issues like obesity and Hole-in-the-Head disease (HITH).

Compatibility

Caution: Extremely aggressive and territorial. Best kept in a species-only tank. If tank mates are attempted, they must be equally large, robust, and fast-moving, and occupy different water columns. Will kill and eat smaller fish.
Good Tank Mates (in very large tanks): Large, tough cichlids (e.g., Oscars, Flowerhorn, Jack Dempsey), large armored catfish (Plecos, Synodontis), and some large Barbs (Tinfoil). Tank mates are always a risk with this species.