Care Guide for Red Devil Cichlid

Introduction

The Red Devil Cichlid, known for its bright color and aggressive behavior, is certainly not a fish for beginners. While highly territorial and at times destructive, this species is popular among experienced aquarists for its striking appearance and engaging personality. Proper care is essential for keeping these fish healthy and minimizing aggression in a community setup.

Origin

The Red Devil Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) is native to the freshwater lakes and rivers of Central America, particularly in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. These fish primarily inhabit large lakes, such as Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua, where the water is typically clear to slightly murky, often categorized as a whitewater biotope rather than blackwater. The natural habitat consists of rocky areas and sandy substrates with moderate to slow-moving water, where they can establish territories. In the wild, these cichlids thrive in warm, alkaline waters with a pH range of 7.0-8.5 and temperatures between 24-28°C (75-82°F).

Their name "Red Devil" is a reflection of their aggressive nature rather than their color, as this species can exhibit a range of vibrant color morphs, including red, orange, yellow, and white. Depending on local variations, they may also be called Lemon or Midas Cichlids.

Body Shape and Size

Red Devil Cichlids exhibit a laterally compressed body and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length, though males tend to be larger than females. Males also develop a nuchal hump as they mature. One interesting feature is that captive specimens often develop exaggerated lips, a trait not commonly seen in wild individuals.

Lifespan

In a well-maintained aquarium, Red Devil Cichlids can live for 10-15 years. Their lifespan in the wild is slightly shorter due to natural predators and environmental factors.

Care and Tank Size

Red Devils are highly active and territorial fish, requiring spacious tanks to thrive. A minimum tank size of 60 US gallons (~50 Imperial gallons or 230 liters) is recommended for one specimen, while larger setups of at least 120 US gallons (~100 Imperial gallons or 450 liters) are necessary for housing multiple individuals to reduce aggression.

Provide plenty of open swimming areas as well as hiding spaces using rocks or driftwood. Avoid live plants since these fish tend to uproot them. A sand substrate is preferable for ease of cleaning and to accommodate their digging habits. Secure rocks firmly, as these cichlids may dig under them, potentially causing the rocks to topple and harm the fish.

Filtration

Due to their large size and heavy waste production, an external filter is highly recommended for Red Devil Cichlids. Ensure the filter is rated for a higher water volume than the tank's capacity to handle their bioload efficiently. While these fish thrive in clean, well-filtered water, they do not appreciate excessive current.

To keep the water flow moderate, you can adjust the filter’s output by either using a flow control valve (common in many external filters) or by positioning the outlet in such a way that it disperses the flow more gently, such as directing it toward the tank wall or using a spray bar. If these options are not available, baffle the output with decor like rocks or wood to naturally reduce the water flow. Perform regular water changes (at least 30% weekly) to maintain optimal water quality and ensure healthy living conditions.

Water Chemistry and pH

Red Devil Cichlids are adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They thrive in a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, making them suitable for both slightly acidic and slightly alkaline environments. While they are resilient, it's essential to keep the pH stable to prevent stress. The ideal temperature range is 72-83°F (22-28°C), which mirrors their natural habitat.

In hard water areas, you can soften the water by adding peat to the filtration system or using bogwood, both of which help maintain a slightly more acidic environment if needed.

Feeding and Diet

Red Devil Cichlids are voracious eaters and will readily accept a variety of foods. Their diet should consist of high-quality cichlid pellets, along with occasional offerings of live or frozen food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and chopped earthworms (be sure to cleanse worms before feeding). When offering frozen food, ensure it is fully defrosted and brought to room temperature before feeding to avoid shocking the fish. Vegetables, such as blanched peas or spirulina flakes, can also be provided to add balance to their diet.

Breeding

Breeding Red Devils can be relatively easy if the right conditions are provided. To trigger spawning, raise the water temperature slightly, between 27-29°C (80-84°F), and ensure the water is clean and well-oxygenated with frequent water changes. The breeding tank should be large enough to accommodate the pair's territorial needs and should include flat rocks or caves as potential spawning sites. Providing plenty of hiding places can also reduce aggression between the male and female during the breeding process.

The breeding tank should have a soft sandy substrate as Red Devils will dig pits to prepare for spawning. Once a pair is bonded, they will clean a chosen site, either on the substrate or on flat surfaces like rocks. They are open spawners but may also use the underside of rocks or caves. Females can lay up to 700 eggs, which the male fertilizes. Both parents will guard the eggs aggressively. After 3-5 days, the eggs will hatch, and a few days later, the fry will become free-swimming.

At this stage, the fry can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or commercial fry food. It is recommended to remove the parent fish from the breeding tank once the fry are free-swimming to prevent any potential harm to the fry, as aggression can escalate during this period.