Red Devil Cichlid

The red devil cichlid is a Central American cichlid more often found in breeding ponds in Florida. This is one of the species that might have been involved in the original flowerhorn hybrids. Red devils are red with an attractive mottled pattern, and these guys will get devilishly mean when they mature. Red devils may be kept with other cichlids of similar disposition.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: These are large, powerful cichlids, so give an adult a tank of at least 125 gallons with a sand bottom, large rocks and driftwood. Anchor decorations well, since they dig and rearrange the tank, and use strong filtration. Change about 25% of the water every week.

Feeding: Feed a quality large cichlid pellet once a day, plus frozen foods like krill, shrimp and silversides a few times a week. Avoid feeder fish, which can carry disease.

Tankmates: Keep them alone or with other large, robust cichlids and catfish that can hold their own, in a very large tank. They will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouth.

Good to know: These cichlids are full of personality and often learn to recognize their owners, but they need a long-term plan for a very large tank.