The Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) is one of the most majestic and iconic species in the world of tropical fish. With its impressive coloration, unique temperament, and strong presence in aquariums, this cichlid is a fascinating choice for experienced aquarists.
In this article, we will explore in detail the characteristics of the Midas Cichlid, its differences from other species, and everything you need to know to keep this species healthy and happy.
Characteristics and Size of the Midas Cichlid
Taxonomy of the Midas Cichlid
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Perciformes
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Amphilophus
- Species: Amphilophus citrinellus (Günther, 1864)
- Synonyms: Cichlasoma citrinellum (Günther, 1864)
- Common names in Spanish: Cíclido Rey Midas, Rey Midas, falso demonio rojo, mojarra rayada, mojarra de Midas, cíclido limón.
- Common name in English: Midas Cichlid.
It is important to note that due to the significant morphological variation of the Midas Cichlid, some researchers consider Amphilophus citrinellus to be a species complex rather than a single species. Song et al., (2014) were the first to sequence and determine the complete mitochondrial genome of Amphilophus citrinellus, while Xu et al., (2017) provided important genomic data to advance the study of the genetic evolution of cichlids.
Physical Characteristics
The size of the Midas Cichlid is remarkably large for an aquarium fish. Adult males can reach up to 25 cm in length, while females are typically slightly smaller. Amphilophus citrinellus exhibits diverse colorations and body shapes, which has caused confusion among aquarists.
Amphilophus citrinellus is a xanthomorphic species and undergoes a color metamorphosis during different growth stages. Its coloration is equally varied, ranging from white to bright yellow, orange, and occasionally red. These vibrant colors tend to intensify with age, especially in dominant specimens.
Wild specimens are mostly grayish-brown, with their bodies displaying a pattern of six dark bars. However, there are mutant specimens with striking coloration that can range from intense red to white or intermediate shades such as yellow or orange (Molina, 2011). Midas cichlids go through three distinct stages of typical body color pattern—”black-gray-gold.” Wu et al., (2024) predicted the miRNA target genes that may be involved in regulating the morphological color changes in Midas Cichlids.
Klingenberg et al., (2003) studied the Amphilophus citrinellus species complex from Nicaraguan lakes and reported considerable variation between lakes, as well as between alternative color and trophic morphs. This suggests local differentiation driven by genetic and eco-phenotypic mechanisms.
Life Cycle and Growth of Amphilophus citrinellus
The Midas Cichlid can live up to 12 years when properly cared for. Its growth is rapid in the early years, with sexual maturity being reached between 12 and 18 months.
To maximize its longevity, it is essential to provide a clean and stable environment, a balanced diet, and sufficient space for its activities.
Differences Between the Midas Cichlid and the Red Devil Cichlid
One of the most common comparisons in the aquarium hobby is the Midas Cichlid vs. the Red Devil Cichlid. Although both belong to the Amphilophus genus, they have differences that make them unique:
- Body Shape: The Midas Cichlid has a more compact and robust body, while the Red Devil is more streamlined and elongated.
- Color Patterns: While both can display intense colors, the Midas Cichlid tends to have more uniform tones, whereas the Red Devil may have spots or irregular patterns.
- Temperament: Both are territorial, but the Red Devil is known to be more aggressive, even with fish of its own size.
Amphilophus citrinellus: Habitat
Native to the lakes of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, Amphilophus citrinellus, commonly known as the Midas Cichlid, is part of the Central American cichlid family. Its name honors the legend of King Midas due to its vibrant golden color, reminiscent of the riches in the Greek myth.
The Midas Cichlid is a benthopelagic fish and thrives in waters with temperatures ranging from 23 to 33°C.
On the other hand, Montero-Fortunato e Infante (2021) reported that the A. citrinellus complex (including hybrids and aquarium-bred varieties) has been identified as an invasive species in various parts of the world due to the ornamental trade. For instance, it has been reported in Brazil, Malaysia, the Philippines, and established populations in the United States, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, and Singapore.
Feeding and Diet of the Midas Cichlid
In its natural habitat, the Midas Cichlid is omnivorous, feeding primarily on insects, small crustaceans, snails, slugs, small fish, and other organisms. In areas where Amphilophus citrinellus has been introduced, such as Malaysia, it feeds on a wide range of prey, including fish, amphibians, and gastropods (Aqmal-Naser y Ahmad, 2024).
The diet of the Midas Cichlid is varied and must be well-balanced to ensure proper growth and health.
In captivity, it is important to provide a rich and balanced diet that includes:
- High-protein cichlid pellets.
- Vegetables like spinach, peas, and zucchini.
- Live or frozen proteins such as bloodworms, shrimp, and mosquito larvae.
It is worth noting that Plasencia (2017) found that Midas Cichlids grew better on a diet containing 75% squid meal and 25% fishmeal compared to a diet consisting of 100% fishmeal.
Avoid overfeeding them, as this can lead to health issues such as obesity or organ deterioration. Additionally, Lin et al., (2010) reported that diets low in carotenoid pigments are sufficient to maintain the coloration and innate immunity of Midas Cichlids.
Reproduction of the Midas Cichlid
In its natural habitat, the Midas Cichlid prefers to spawn on the ceilings of natural caves. Midas Cichlids reach sexual maturity at around 9 months. Females lay between 300 and 1,000 eggs on hard substrates such as rocks or logs.
Parental care is provided for several weeks, during which the parents protect the eggs and fry from predators. They also exhibit a “contact” behavior, where the fry feed on the dermal mucus of their parents as part of their diet.
Molina (2011) studied the larval development of the Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) and reported that egg hatching occurs between 70 and 74 hours, with newly hatched larvae measuring an average of 4.52 mm.
Care of the Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus)
Tank size is crucial for the well-being of a Midas Cichlid. A spacious aquarium with defined areas created by decorations helps reduce territorial stress. Additionally, high-quality filters are necessary to manage the waste produced by this large fish.
To maintain a healthy Midas Cichlid in captivity, replicating its natural conditions as closely as possible is essential. This includes:
- A powerful filtration system to keep the water clean.
- Decorations such as rocks and caves that provide refuge and territory boundaries.
On the other hand, Cartaxo (2024) determined that raising Amphilophus citrinellus fry in blue light (472 nm) in murky water stimulates growth and weight gain, while red light is more beneficial in clear water environments.
Table 01. Water quality parameters for raising the Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus).
| Parameter | Range |
| Tank size | One specimen: 283 liters (75 gallons) One pair: 473 liters (125 gallons) |
| Water temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Water pH | 7.0 to 8.0 |
| Water hardness | 10 – 15 |
| Water changes | 20 – 30% per week |
King midas cichlid compatibility
Choosing tank mates for a Midas Cichlid can be challenging due to its aggressive nature. While they prefer to be alone, it is possible to keep them with other large, hardy fish that can tolerate their dominant behavior. Some suitable options include:
- Oscars.
- Large Plecos.
- Jack Dempseys.
Avoid small or less aggressive fish, as they are likely to be attacked or intimidated by the Midas Cichlid.
Conclusion
The Midas Cichlid is an impressive species that requires experience and dedication. While its aggressiveness and size can be challenging, the reward is a dynamic and charismatic fish that brings life and color to any aquarium.
If you are willing to commit to its needs, the Midas Cichlid can become the centerpiece of your tropical fish collection.
References
Aqmal-Naser, M., & Ahmad, A. B. (2024). Concerning Predation on Small Vertebrates by Alien Gold Morph Midas cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus (Cichlidae). Tropical Life Sciences Research, 35(2), 309. https://doi.org/10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.15
Cartaxo, J. W. D. S. (2024). Efeito dos espectros de luz no desenvolvimento de pós-larvas de Amphilophus citrinellus (Gunther, 1864). Universidade Federal da Bahia
KLINGENBERG, C. P., BARLUENGA, M., & MEYER, A. (2003). Body shape variation in cichlid fishes of the Amphilophus citrinellus species complex. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 80(3), 397-408. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1095-8312.2003.00246.x
Lin, S. M., Brown, A. C., McGraw, K. J., & Clotfelter, E. D. (2010). Testing the Carotenoid Trade-Off Hypothesis in the Polychromatic Midas Cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. https://doi.org/10.1086/649965
Molina Alex. 2011. Desarrollo larval de Amphilophus citrinellus (Pisces: Cichlidae) cultivado en laboratorio. BRENESIA 75-76: 78-82.
Montero-Fortunato, Enmanuel & Infante, José. (2021). Primer reporte del pez Amphilophus citrinellus (Perciformes: Cichlidae) en cuerpos de agua natural para República Dominicana. Novitates Caribaea. 219-224. 10.33800/nc.vi18.273.
Plasencia D. 2017. Effects of squid meal as dietary fish meal protein substitution for the aquarium fish “Amphilophus citrinellus” : opportunities for the co-culture with “Ceratophyllum demersum“. Trabajo Fin de Título para la obtención del título de graduado en Ciencias del Mar. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Song, H. M., Liu, C., Liu, Y., Wei, M. X., Luo, J. ren, & Hu, Y. chang. (2014). Complete mitochondrial genome of the Red devil cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus). Mitochondrial DNA Part A, 27(2), 840–841. https://doi.org/10.3109/19401736.2014.919467
Xu, B., Gao, J., Chen, Z., Wang, L., Li, Z., Zhou, Q., & Wang, C. (2014). The complete mitochondrial genome of the midas cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus). Mitochondrial DNA Part A, 27(6), 3895–3896. https://doi.org/10.3109/19401736.2014.987252
Wu, G., Mu, X., Liu, Y., Liu, C., Wang, X., Yang, Y., & Song, H. (2024). Identification and Characterization of microRNAs in Morphological Color Change of Polychromatic Midas Cichlids (Amphilophus citrinellus). Fishes, 9(6), 194. https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9060194
