Midas Cichlid

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingDemanding tank care

  Demands pristine water — frequent testing and meticulous upkeep.

• Living spaceMid-size tank

  Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Swim bladder disorder

The Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) comes from the lakes of Nicaragua and Costa Rica and reaches about 25 to 35 cm. Many wild fish are grey with barring, but a proportion undergo a natural colour change to gold or orange, and those are the ones the aquarium trade propagates. Dominant males develop a very large nuchal hump, which is a fat and connective tissue store that grows most in well-fed breeding fish. An adult needs 500 litres or more at 23-28C, pH 6.5 to 8.0 in moderately hard water, with strong filtration and heavy, stable decor. Feed quality large cichlid pellets, frozen krill and shrimp with regular vegetable content, since obesity and an oversized hump are both diet-driven. It is intelligent, interactive and a determined digger that will rearrange every removable object in the tank. Aggression is high and increases with age, so plan for a single fish or a proven pair in a very large tank, and think of it as a decade-plus animal rather than a display item.

• How active is a Midas Cichlid?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Midas Cichlid need?

  Demanding tank care. Demands pristine water — frequent testing and meticulous upkeep.

• What tank size does a Midas Cichlid need?

  Mid-size tank. Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Is a Midas Cichlid a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Midas Cichlid live?

  10–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Midas Cichlid?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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