Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) Care Guide
Amphilophus citrinellus is a large omnivorous cichlid of Nicaraguan and Costa Rican lakes and crater lakes, often showing a pronounced nuchal hump.
Overview
Amphilophus citrinellus, the Midas cichlid, was described by Günther in 1864. It is a heavily built Central American cichlid with powerful jaws and sharp teeth. The exaggerated nuchal hump often seen in aquarium fish is largely a product of selective breeding and may not be reflected in wild populations. FishBase records a maximum standard length of about 24 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Amphilophus
- Scientific name: Amphilophus citrinellus
- Describer: Günther, 1864
Habitat
The species occurs on the Atlantic slope of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, including the San Juan River drainage and Lakes Nicaragua, Managua, Masaya and Apoyo, as well as volcanic crater lakes such as Laguna de Apoyo and Lake Xiloá. FishBase describes it as a benthopelagic, non-migratory freshwater fish of lakes and slow river valleys with rocky substrates.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet
It is omnivorous (FishBase trophic level about 3.2). Reported foods include aufwuchs, snails, small fishes, insect larvae, worms and bottom-dwelling organisms. In captivity it readily accepts prepared foods together with meaty and vegetable items.
Compatibility
The Midas cichlid is territorial and capable of intense aggression during territorial disputes and breeding. It is best kept singly or as a bonded pair in a spacious tank, and is unsuitable with small or timid species.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019). Some closely related crater-lake species have smaller populations and more restricted ranges.