Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Red Devil Cichlid
Amphilophus labiatus (Günther, 1864)
Also called Red devil, Dicklippigerbuntbarsch, Heros labiatus (former name), Cichlasoma labiatum (former name)
From Central America: Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua in Nicaragua, which are linked by the Tipitapa River. It lives around rocky shorelines and crevices.123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Large, deep-bodied cichlid
A big, powerful cichlid with a tall body and thick lips. Adult males grow larger than females, carry longer pointed dorsal and anal fins and often develop a prominent hump on the forehead. Some wild fish have extra-large lips, a feature that usually shrinks in aquarium life.13
Personality what they are like
A confident, strong-willed fish with plenty of personality. It is very territorial, especially when breeding, so it is usually kept alone or as a pair rather than in a community tank.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active and inquisitive; likes to rearrange its surroundings by digging and moving decor, so furnishings should be heavy and secure.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs a very large tank with strong filtration and regular water changes. Heaters and equipment should be protected, and rockwork placed directly on the tank base so it cannot be undermined.13
Home where they are happiest
Minimum base of about 150 x 45 cm for one adult; pairs or mixed setups need well over 1000 litres. Aquarium temperature 21-26 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, hardness 5-25 dGH. FishBase lists a warmer natural range of 28-33 °C for wild habitat.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An easy-going omnivore. A quality cichlid pellet as the staple, plus earthworms, prawns, mussels and vegetables such as peas or spinach. In the wild it eats small fish, snails, insect larvae, worms and bottom-dwelling creatures.12
Company who they like around
Best kept singly or as a bonded pair. Pairs form naturally from a group of young fish; tankmates, if any, should be large and robust and only in very big aquaria.1
The story where it all began
Albert Günther described the red devil in 1864 from the great lakes of Nicaragua. It became a popular aquarium fish, and selective breeding in captivity produced the bright orange and red forms that gave it its trade name, a name it often shares with the related Midas cichlid. It is also one of the parent fish used to create the flowerhorn hybrid.314
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Wild red devils are mostly grey or greenish; the vivid orange and red fish seen in shops come largely from aquarium breeding.1
- 2
Keepers report that red devils soon learn to recognise the person who feeds them.1
- 3
Some wild fish grow strikingly thick lips, thought to be linked to their natural diet, which tend to shrink in captivity.3
- 4
The red devil is one of the cichlids used to create the flowerhorn hybrid.4
- 5
A female can lay roughly 600-700 eggs in one spawning, and both parents guard the brood.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Not Evaluated2
- Taxonomy
- Described by Günther in 1864; formerly placed in Heros and Cichlasoma; family Cichlidae3
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Red Devil Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseevery 2 weeks
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Red Devil Cichlid?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding once a day, but adjust based on your fish's appetite and the food label. For exact amounts, check the packaging and ask your vet. Pet Wiki plan
What does a Red Devil Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
This omnivore enjoys quality cichlid pellets, earthworms, prawns, mussels, and vegetables like peas or spinach. Avoid anything unsuitable for omnivorous fish; ask your vet for a complete list of unsafe foods.12
How much space does a Red Devil Cichlid need?
A single adult needs a tank base of at least 150 x 45 cm, while pairs or community setups require well over 1000 litres. Give plenty of swimming room and secure decor.12
What temperature, light or water does a Red Devil Cichlid need?
Keep water at 21-26 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, and hardness 5-25 dGH. Standard aquarium lighting is fine, but strong filtration and regular water changes are essential.12
How often should I clean a Red Devil Cichlid's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan recommends a 30-50% water change weekly, test the water each week, and rinse the filter every two weeks. Adjust based on your tank's bioload. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Red Devil Cichlid live with others?
It is very territorial, so it's best kept alone or as a bonded pair. Only consider tankmates if they are large, robust, and you have a very big aquarium.1
How long does a Red Devil Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies with care and genetics; ask your breeder or an exotic-pet vet for typical expectations.
Can I handle a Red Devil Cichlid?
Handling is not recommended as it can stress the fish and harm its slime coat. Enjoy watching its confident personality from outside the tank.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Midas Cichlid
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Blood Parrot CichlidWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Seriously Fish: Amphilophus labiatus seriouslyfish.comused for range, size, care, water, diet, behaviour, colour, breeding
- FishBase: Amphilophus labiatus fishbase.seused for distribution, max length and weight, wild temperature, diet, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Amphilophus labiatus en.wikipedia.orgused for describer, colour variation, lips, behaviour
- Wikipedia: Flowerhorn cichlid en.wikipedia.orgused for role as flowerhorn parent
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.