Midas Cichlid - Amphilophis citrinellus - Small Adult

The Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) is a popular yet very large and aggressive cichlid that is often kept alone as the single "pet fish" in a large aquarium (at least 75 gallons for one fish). Most Midas Cichlid are golden orange in color (lending to both the common and scientific names) but variants are common, including more gold, white, reddish, banded fish and combinations of these. Males develop a large hump on their forehead in maturity known as the "nuchal hump".

Cichlids from the Amphilophus genus tend to be very aggressive and are best kept alone or in a very large tank with fish of a similar temperament (with extreme caution). They become territorial and their size and eating habits can also affect water quality. These fish are omnivores (eating both meaty foods and vegetable matter) but are more towards the carnivorous (meat-eater) end. They will eat both flakes (for very small fish) or appropriately-sized pellets as well as fresh and frozen meaty foods like beefheart, worms, krill, shrimp and similar foods.