Meet the Amphilophus Cichlids
Amphilophus is a genus of Central American cichlids. It includes Midas Cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus, and Red Devil Cichlid, Amphilophus labiatus, along with less familiar species restricted to particular waters. This page covers the genus because the original fish record does not specify a species.
Color and Identification
Midas Cichlids provide a good example of the group’s visual variety. Wild fish commonly have gray to olive-brown coloring and dark bars, while gold, orange and other pale forms also occur. Red Devils can likewise be gray-green or brightly colored, and some develop conspicuously enlarged lips.
Color alone cannot reliably separate these relatives. Aquarium selection can exaggerate color and forehead shape, so a bright orange fish or a prominent head hump is not enough for a firm species identification. The image above is a representative genus illustration.
Native Waters and Crater-Lake Diversity
Nicaragua’s Lakes Apoyo and Xiloá support several Amphilophus species found nowhere else. Closely related fishes developed distinct forms within these volcanic lakes, making them important subjects for research into how species arise.
A group’s Central American origin does not establish its occurrence in a particular United States lake. The linked-water directory below displays the site’s existing associations; this overview adds no new lake records.
Food and Behavior
Midas Cichlids are omnivores, eating plant material, mollusks and smaller fish. Their substantial jaws and territorial behavior are especially familiar to aquarists. This is a named-species example, rather than a claim that every Amphilophus eats the same foods in the same proportions.
Size and Fishing Information
Choose a species-specific profile when comparing adult size, maximum weight, spawning temperature or fishing methods. Those values cannot be assigned consistently to a record identified only as Amphilophus sp. If a catch can be identified more precisely, its species account will provide the appropriate context.
Evolution Inside a Crater
Some Amphilophus species are confined to a single Nicaraguan crater lake. A small lake can hold several close relatives with distinct evolutionary histories.
All Lakes With Amphilophus Cichlid
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Amphilophus Cichlid records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
Showing 1–11 of 11 lakes · Page 1 of 1
- Blue Lagoon Miami-Dade, FL
- Kendall Lake Miami-Dade, FL
- Lake Belmar Miami-Dade, FL
- Lake Flamingo Miami-Dade, FL
- Lake Granbury Hood, TX
- Lake Ida Palm Beach, FL
- Lake Karen Miami-Dade, FL
- Lake Laura Miami-Dade, FL
- Lake Osborne Palm Beach, FL
- Lake Ruth Miami-Dade, FL
- Lake Sable Miami-Dade, FL