Midas cichlid - Amphilophus citrinellus

Scientific name: Amphilophus citrinellus

Common name: Midas cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 26 - 33 cm (10.24 - 12.99 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.8 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 30°N (178.57 - 535.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Central America

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and Feeding

The Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) is an omnivorous fish with a strong preference for a varied diet rich in both plant and animal matter. In captivity, it thrives on high-quality flake or pellet foods designed for cichlids as the staple diet. To supplement this, offering a range of meaty foods such as bloodworms, chopped earthworms, and even occasional small crustaceans will keep these cichlids healthy and enhance their vibrant colors. Additionally, incorporating some vegetable matter into their diet, like blanched spinach or peas, can provide essential nutrients and aid in digestion.

Given their aggressive and territorial nature, feeding should be done once or twice a day, ensuring that all the food is consumed within a few minutes to avoid polluting the tank. Since Midas Cichlids are messy eaters, it’s crucial to remove any uneaten food promptly and maintain a robust filtration system to keep the water clean. The key to their optimal health and growth lies in providing a balanced diet that caters to their omnivorous nature.

Origin

Midas Cichlids are native to the freshwater lakes and rivers of Central America, particularly found in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Honduras. These regions feature warm, slow-moving waters with abundant rocky substrates and submerged wood, which serve as natural hiding spots and breeding grounds for these fish. Their natural habitat is characterized by varied terrains, including areas with dense vegetation and open spaces, providing Midas Cichlids with ample territory to explore and claim as their own. Replicating these conditions in an aquarium setting by incorporating rocks, driftwood, and hiding places can help these cichlids feel more at home and reduce their aggressive tendencies.

Sexing

Determining the sex of juvenile Midas Cichlids can be challenging, as they do not exhibit clear sexual dimorphism at a young age. However, as they mature, certain characteristics become more pronounced. Mature males typically develop a prominent nuchal hump on their foreheads, which becomes more visible as they age and during breeding seasons. Males are also usually larger and may have more elongated and pointed dorsal and anal fins compared to females. On the other hand, females tend to have a rounder body shape, especially when they are preparing to spawn. Despite these differences, sexing Midas Cichlids is not always straightforward and may require careful observation over time.

Breeding

Breeding Midas Cichlids can be both rewarding and challenging due to their aggressive nature, especially during the spawning period. When a pair is ready to spawn, they will select a flat surface, such as a rock or a designated area on the tank glass, and begin to clean it meticulously. The female will lay a cluster of eggs on this surface, which the male will then fertilize. During this time, the male may exhibit heightened aggression, even toward the female. It's crucial to monitor the pair closely, as the male can become overly aggressive and harm the female.

To ensure the female's safety, it's advisable to either provide plenty of hiding spots where she can retreat or use a tank divider to separate her from the male after spawning. Once the eggs are fertilized, the male typically assumes the role of guarding the eggs until they hatch. The eggs usually hatch within 2-3 days, and the fry become free-swimming a few days later. At this stage, they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or specialized fry food. Since the male Midas Cichlid may exhibit aggressive behaviors, including eating the eggs, it may be necessary to remove him from the tank after fertilization to increase the chances of successful fry development.

Lifespan

The Midas Cichlid has a relatively long lifespan, typically living up to 15 years in a well-maintained aquarium environment. Their longevity is directly influenced by the quality of care they receive, including a balanced diet, appropriate tank conditions, and consistent water maintenance. Due to their aggressive nature and large size, providing them with ample space and a stress-free environment is key to ensuring they reach their full lifespan.

Short Description

Midas Cichlids (Amphilophus citrinellus) are known for their striking appearance and assertive personalities. They are large, robust fish that require spacious tanks, ideally with a capacity of at least 300 liters (75 gallons) for a single adult, with additional space for each additional fish. These cichlids are aggressive and territorial, particularly during breeding, making them best suited for experienced aquarists who can manage their specific care needs. Due to their size and behavior, they are not suitable for community tanks and are often kept in species-specific setups or with other large, similarly tempered cichlids.

Providing a tank environment that mimics their natural habitat is essential for their well-being. This includes adding rocks and driftwood to create territories and provide hiding spots. Despite their aggressive nature, Midas Cichlids can exhibit interesting behaviors and interactions, making them a captivating species to observe. A powerful filtration system is necessary to handle their messy eating habits and ensure water quality. Additionally, avoiding nocturnal tank mates like catfish is advisable, as Midas Cichlids may become disturbed during their rest periods.

Q&A

• How to tell if a Midas Cichlid is pregnant?

  Answer: Midas Cichlids are egg layers, so they do not get pregnant in the traditional sense. You may not notice any signs until the female lays eggs or the fry become free-swimming in the tank.

• How do I know if my Midas Cichlid is about to lay eggs?

  Answer: The breeding pair will start cleaning a flat surface, such as a rock or the tank glass, in preparation for spawning. The female will then hover over the site, laying eggs, while the male follows to fertilize them.

• What do I do if my male Midas Cichlid eats the eggs?

  Answer: If the male exhibits this behavior, you may need to remove him from the tank after fertilization. Alternatively, you can move the eggs to a separate rearing tank, though this carries some risk.

Pictures

Thanks to Ted! Other pictures were bought from jjphoto.dk.