Red devil cichlid
The red devil cichlid is a large, boisterous Central American cichlid endemic to Lakes Managua and Nicaragua, closely related to the Midas cichlid and often confused with it. It is distinguished by its thicker, more prominent lips and can reach about 30 cm, with dominant males developing a nuchal hump. Colour ranges from grey to brilliant red or orange. Extremely territorial and aggressive, it is best kept alone or as a bonded pair in a tank of at least 450 litres with heavy filtration and firmly anchored decor, as it excavates and shifts anything movable. Provide 24-28C, pH 6.5-7.8 and moderately hard water. An omnivore, it takes pellets and meaty and vegetable foods. Its strength, intelligence and unpredictable temperament make it a project for experienced aquarists only.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 24 – 28 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 – 7.8 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 6 – 18 °dKH |
| General hardness (GH) | 8 – 25 °dGH |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 450 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 200 L — adds up with tank-mates |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Red devil cichlid need?
Provide at least 450 litres to keep Red devil cichlid in good conditions.
What water parameters does Red devil cichlid need?
A temperature of 24–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.8.
Is Red devil cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is aggressive.
What does Red devil cichlid eat?
Its diet: omnivore.
How big does Red devil cichlid get?
Around 30 cm as an adult.
Is Red devil cichlid suitable for beginners?
Care level: advanced.
Planning a tank with Red devil cichlid?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
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