A massive, powerful Central American cichlid famous for its extreme intelligence, interactive 'wet pet' behavior, and intense aggression. Often confused with the Red Devil, the Midas Cichlid is a bulky, earth-eating predator that requires a very large tank, immense filtration, and is notorious for aggressively attacking tank mates, heaters, and even its owner's hands.
Midas Cichlid At a Glance
Midas Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Midas Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Midas Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Midas Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Midas Cichlid Water Parameters
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Midas Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Midas Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Standard / Adult)
Fully mature males are incredibly heavily built and develop a massive nuchal hump on their heads, especially during breeding. They are highly intolerant of other fish and are best kept as a solitary centerpiece fish.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Nuchal Hump, Orange, Barred, White
Female
Females are slightly smaller and generally lack the massive nuchal hump of the males, though they remain intensely territorial. Can sometimes be kept in heavily monitored breeding pairs in very large tanks.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Midas
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young Midas cichlids often display wild-type grey/barred patterns before 'peeling' into their vibrant adult colors. They grow incredibly fast and will rapidly outgrow small enclosures while becoming increasingly aggressive.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Midas fry, Unpeeled
Midas Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Midas Cichlid, scientifically known as Amphilophus citrinellus, belongs to the Cichlids - Central American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 30 cm and have a compressed body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as highly aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Midas Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8.5 and a general hardness of 9–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Midas Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male (Standard / Adult), Female, and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Midas Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Midas Cichlid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Midas Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as highly aggressive, the Midas Cichlid is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Midas Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Midas Cichlid.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
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Frequently Asked Questions About Midas Cichlid
How big does Midas Cichlid get?
Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 30 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Midas Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Midas Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Midas Cichlid need?
Midas Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 9–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Midas Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Midas Cichlid is classified as highly aggressive with an aggression score of 9 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Midas Cichlid live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Midas Cichlid should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Does Midas Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Midas Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Midas Cichlid
These plants pair well with Midas Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Midas Cichlid
Red Devil Cichlid
Amphilophus labiatus
A massive, extremely aggressive Central American cichlid. Aptly named, the Red Devil is highly intelligent, interactive, and famous for 'glass-banging' at their owners. They are powerful diggers that will uproot plants and rearrange decor. Because of their sheer aggression and jaw strength, they are almost exclusively kept as 'wet pets' in solitary setups.
Black Belt Cichlid
Vieja maculicauda
A large, powerful, and strikingly colored Central American cichlid known for the distinctive vertical black band across its midsection and vivid red flushing on its throat and tail. They are highly territorial, aggressive, and notorious for re-arranging the aquarium. They are primarily herbivorous in the wild but will eat almost anything, including smaller fish. They cannot be kept in planted tanks.
Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
A popular Central American cichlid famous for the bright red coloration on its throat and belly, which it flares to intimidate rivals. They are earth-eaters, constantly sifting sand for food. While territorial, especially during breeding, they are relatively peaceful for a cichlid of their size compared to larger Central American counterparts.
Mayan Cichlid
Mayaheros urophthalmus
The Mayan Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and highly adaptable Central American cichlid (frequently confused with the True Red Terror). They are euryhaline, meaning they thrive in pure freshwater but can also easily tolerate brackish conditions. Known for their striking vertical bars and a distinct tail spot (ocellus), they demand spacious aquariums with robust filtration due to their heavy bioload and earth-moving habits.
Blood Parrot Cichlid
Hybrid cichlid (Blood Parrot)
A highly popular man-made hybrid (most commonly a cross between a Midas Cichlid and a Redhead Cichlid). They are known for their bright orange/red coloration, nuchal humps, and distinctive 'smiling' deformed mouths. Due to their mouth anatomy, they cannot bite effectively, which makes them less lethal than purebred Central American cichlids, though they retain strong territorial instincts and will aggressively 'bump' tankmates. They are messy eaters and produce a high bioload.
Macaw Cichlid
Hypsophrys nicaraguensis
A robust and stunning Central American cichlid. Uniquely among many cichlids, the females are actually more vibrantly colored than the males. They are notorious diggers and cave-spawners that will rearrange substrate. Best kept with other similarly sized, robust Central American cichlids in a large tank.