Red Devil Cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) – A Fiery Personality in a Bold Package

If you're searching for a cichlid that brings energy, intelligence, and bold coloration to your aquarium, the Red Devil Cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) stands out as a true centerpiece fish. Renowned for its vibrant hues and fiery temperament, this cichlid isn’t for the faint of heart but offers an exciting challenge for experienced aquarists.

Origins and Natural Habitat

Native to the lakes and rivers of Nicaragua, such as Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua, the Red Devil Cichlid lives in rocky environments with plenty of hiding spots. In the wild, their coloration ranges from gray to white, but aquarium strains have been selectively bred for brilliant oranges, reds, and peach tones.

Appearance

The Red Devil has a muscular, oval body with thick lips (especially in wild specimens) and a pronounced nuchal hump that becomes more prominent in males. Their coloration in aquariums ranges from bright orange to fiery red and creamy white, making them strikingly beautiful to observe.

Personality and Behavior

As the name suggests, Red Devils are aggressive and highly territorial. They are intelligent fish that often recognize their owners and may even interact through the glass. However, they can be extremely hostile toward tank mates, particularly during breeding, making them best suited to single-specimen tanks or large, carefully planned cichlid setups.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for one adult, but 75+ gallons is highly recommended.

• Substrate & Décor: Use sand or fine gravel. Include large rocks and driftwood to create caves and territory boundaries.

• Filtration: Strong filtration is necessary due to the Red Devil’s size and waste production.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 74–80°F

  • pH: 6.5–7.5

  • Hardness: Moderate

Diet

Red Devil Cichlids are omnivores and need a varied diet. Offer:

• High-quality cichlid pellets

• Frozen foods like krill, bloodworms, and brine shrimp

• Fresh vegetables like zucchini or spinach (blanched)

Avoid feeding too much protein-rich food to prevent bloating and health issues.

Breeding

Breeding Red Devils is relatively easy if a bonded pair is formed. They are substrate spawners and fiercely protect their eggs and fry. However, intense aggression between pairs is common—so be prepared to separate them if necessary.

Compatibility

Red Devils are best kept alone or with equally aggressive, similarly sized fish in a large aquarium. Potential (but risky) tank mates include:

• Jaguar Cichlids

• Oscar Cichlids

• Plecos (large and armored types)

Always monitor closely for aggression.

Final Thoughts

The Red Devil Cichlid is a bold, beautiful, and intelligent fish that commands attention. While its aggression limits its compatibility, dedicated aquarists will be rewarded with an interactive and charismatic fish with loads of personality. If you’re ready for the challenge, the Red Devil can be one of the most rewarding fish you ever keep.