Red Devil Cichlid

Amphilophus labiatus

Red Devil Cichlid is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.

AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Red Devil Cichlid?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 15" (≤ 38 cm)
Aquarium size: 264 US gal (1000 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–25 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 12 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 12 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 264 US gal (1000 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–28 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Red Devil Cichlid is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 264 US gal (1000 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Nicaragua.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Aurora Cichlid Maylandia aurora Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.4" (≤ 8.7 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Argentine Humphead Gymnogeophagus balzanii Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm) 70–77°F (21–25°C)

FAQ

How large does Red Devil Cichlid get?

Red Devil Cichlid reaches ≤ 15" (≤ 38 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Red Devil Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 264 US gal (1000 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.

Is Red Devil Cichlid peaceful?

Red Devil Cichlid should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.

What temperature is suitable for Red Devil Cichlid?

Keep it between 22 to 28 °C.