Amphilophus citrinellus

The Midas Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and highly interactive freshwater fish hailing from Central America. Known for its vibrant yellow and orange colors, which give it the 'Midas' and 'Lemon' nicknames, this fish develops a strong personality and often recognizes and bonds with its owner, making it a true 'wet pet'. However, its engaging nature comes with significant aggression and territoriality. This means it cannot be kept in a typical community tank and is often best housed alone or as a confirmed male-female pair. Due to its impressive adult size and active swimming habits, a very large aquarium is essential to provide adequate space. Prospective owners should be aware that the Midas Cichlid has a penchant for redecorating. It will dig in the substrate and uproot or eat most live plants, so the aquarium should be scaped with durable items like large rocks and driftwood, which should be secured to prevent toppling. They are hardy and not picky eaters, readily accepting a varied diet. Strong filtration is crucial, as they produce a substantial amount of waste. With proper care, this charismatic cichlid can be a rewarding long-term companion for the right aquarist.