Amphilophus citrinellus
Midas Cichlid
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Actinopterygii
Family:Cichlidae
Genus:Amphilophus
Species:citrinellus
IUCN Status:Least Concern
Quick Stats
Difficulty
Medium
Environment
Freshwater
Temperature
24°C - 28°C
pH Level
6.5 - 8
Water Hardness
90 - 447 ppm
Lifespan
12 years
Origin
Central America
Adult Size
25 - 35 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Creature Type
Fish
TDS
350 ppm
Water Flow
Medium Flow
Aquarium Building Information
Minimum Tank Size
280L
Swimming Zone
all levels
Oxygen Consumption
High
Waste Production
High
Metabolism Rate
High
Activity Level
Active
Feeding Frequency
Daily
Food Types
Pellets
Frozen Food
Live Food
Vegetables
About This Species
Basic Description
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.
Detailed Description
The Midas Cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus, is a classic powerhouse in the world of large cichlids, renowned for both its beauty and its formidable temperament. While many specimens display brilliant xanthic (yellow-orange) coloration, it's important to note that in their native Central American waters, most individuals are a drab grayish-brown with vertical bars; the vibrant colors are a result of line breeding and natural polymorphism. A key distinguishing feature, particularly in mature males, is the development of a large nuchal hump, a fleshy lump on the head that becomes more pronounced during spawning periods. Housing this species requires significant commitment. The minimum tank size is just a starting point for a single fish; a breeding pair or a specimen housed with other robust cichlids demands a much larger footprint, well over 400 liters, to mitigate aggression. The aquarium environment must be built to withstand the fish's behavior. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is ideal as it allows them to exhibit their natural digging and rooting instincts without injury. All decor, such as large boulders and driftwood, must be heavy and stable, preferably resting on the bottom glass before the substrate is added, to prevent the fish from undermining the structures and causing a collapse. Feeding is straightforward due to their omnivorous nature. A high-quality large cichlid pellet should form the core of their diet, supplemented with protein-rich frozen foods like krill and shrimp, and vegetable matter such as spirulina flakes or blanched spinach to satisfy their plant-eating tendencies. Their high metabolism and voracious appetite lead to significant waste production. Consequently, an oversized filtration system, such as a large canister filter or a sump, is not a luxury but a necessity to process the heavy bioload and maintain water quality. Frequent, large-volume water changes are mandatory to keep nitrates low and ensure the fish's long-term health over its considerable lifespan. Breeding is rated as moderately difficult, not because of the spawning process itself, but due to the challenge of finding a compatible pair and managing the extreme aggression that accompanies courtship and brood care. They are biparental substrate spawners, and once bonded, the pair becomes a fiercely protective unit, defending their eggs and fry against all perceived threats.
Scientific Description
Amphilophus citrinellus is a large Neotropical cichlid native to the San Juan River drainage basin, including Lakes Nicaragua and Managua, in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Taxonomically, it belongs to a species complex often referred to as the 'Midas Cichlid complex,' which is characterized by significant morphological plasticity and a close relationship with other species like Amphilophus labiatus, leading to frequent misidentification and hybridization in the aquarium trade. In its natural lacustrine and riverine habitats, A. citrinellus exhibits a robust ecological adaptability. It is a substrate-sifting omnivore, with a natural diet composed of gastropods, small fishes, insects, and substantial amounts of plant matter and detritus. This feeding strategy is reflected in aquarium settings through its 'plantrooter' and 'planteater' behaviors. The species' physiology is well-suited to its native environment, showing a tolerance for a wide range of water parameters. Its ability to thrive across a broad pH and hardness spectrum underlines its resilience. However, its high metabolic rate, coupled with its large adult size, results in high oxygen consumption and substantial nitrogenous waste production, necessitating powerful filtration and aeration systems in captive environments to maintain water quality and prevent hypoxia. The social behavior of A. citrinellus is defined by intense intraspecific and interspecific territoriality, primarily for securing breeding and foraging resources. The prominent nuchal hump in dominant males is a key secondary sexual characteristic, believed to function in mate selection and agonistic displays. Breeding involves monogamous pairing and biparental care of the fry. The parents are substrate spawners, clearing a site on a flat rock or in a pit to deposit adhesive eggs. Parental defense is exceptionally aggressive and prolonged. From a conservation standpoint, A. citrinellus is listed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, indicating a stable and widespread native population. However, due to its hardiness and aggressive nature, it has become an invasive species in several countries through aquarium releases, posing a threat to local ichthyofauna through competition and predation.