Red Devil Cichlid

Amphilophus labiatus

Red Devil Cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) — Intermediate care, Aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 119 US gal min; aim for 72–82°F and pH 6–8. Details below match the app.

Red Devil Cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelIntermediate
TemperamentAggressive
Min tank size119 US gal min
pH range6–8
Temperature72–82°F
Max size15.0 in (38.0 cm)
Captive lifespan10–18 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Central America

  • Central America & Mexico

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Red Devil Cichlid Tank Setup

Plan for at least 119 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 72–82°F and pH 6–8 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid/Bottom zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Red Devil Cichlids Eat?

We record diet as Omnivore (varies). Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Red Devil Cichlid Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Aggressive. Flagged as a fin nipper, so long flowing fins and slow targets are a poor match. Treat small tank mates as potential snacks once the fish grows. Extremely aggressive; best kept alone or with mate. Will destroy decor and attack anything. Predatory. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Red Devil Cichlids Good for Beginners?

We rate this as intermediate. Budget time for testing, maintenance, and watching behaviour if the water looks fine but the fish do not. If this would be your very first tank, start with something more forgiving and come back to this one.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.