Lake Nicaragua

The midas cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus, is a large cichlid from Nicaragua and Costa Rica, found in lakes, ponds and slow stretches of rivers. It is often confused with the red devil, A. labiatus, but has a bigger nuchal hump and a more thick-set build. One of the most belligerent cichlids, it needs careful handling with any tankmate, including its own kind. Intentional hybridisation with other species has given rise to the parrot cichlid and the flowerhorn.

The red devil cichlid, Amphilophus labiatus, is a large cichlid endemic to Lakes Nicaragua and Managua in Nicaragua, living near submerged rocks. It is often confused with the midas cichlid, A. citrinellus, and the two have been hybridised in the hobby so much that a purebred fish of either can be hard to find. Wild fish are mostly grey, and the colour forms in the trade come from breeding those with orange or red patterning. It is one of the most aggressive cichlids kept.