Red Devil

Also known as: Amphilophus labiatus

The Red Devil (Amphilophus labiatus) is a large, robust Central American cichlid known for its intense coloration and aggressive behavior. The Red Devil originates from Native to the freshwater lakes and rivers of Nicaragua and Costa Rica in Central America, particularly Lake Nicaragua and its tributaries., reaches Adult size: 30-38 cm in captivity, typically lives 10-15 years, and is kept at 24-28°C (75-82°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.

Species at a glance

Origin: Native to the freshwater lakes and rivers of Nicaragua and Costa Rica in Central America, particularly Lake Nicaragua and its tributaries.
Adult size: Adult size: 30-38 cm (12-15 inches)
Life span: 10-15 years
Temperament: Highly aggressive and territorial; not suitable for community tanks
Tank size: Minimum 208 liters (55 gallons) for a single specimen; 303+ liters (80+ gallons) recommended for pairs or with tankmates
Water temp: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
pH range: pH 7.0-8.0
Diet: Omnivorous; requires a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen or live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, krill), and occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach or zucchini
Other names: Amphilophus labiatus

About the Red Devil

The Red Devil (Amphilophus labiatus) is a large, robust Central American cichlid known for its intense coloration and aggressive behavior. Males develop a prominent nuchal hump and thick lips, especially during breeding. They are intelligent and interactive fish that recognize their owners but require experienced handling due to their temperament. In the wild, they inhabit rocky, vegetated shorelines of lakes and slow-moving rivers.

Lifespan and health

With proper care, Red Devils commonly live 10-15 years, with some individuals reaching up to 20 years in optimal conditions. Lifespan is heavily influenced by diet, water quality, and stress levels; chronic aggression or poor nutrition can significantly shorten life. They reach sexual maturity at 12-18 months and may breed in captivity, though aggression often increases during spawning. Common health issues include hole-in-the-head disease (linked to poor water quality and vitamin deficiencies), ich (white spot disease) from stress or temperature fluctuations, and bacterial infections from injuries due to aggression. Preventive measures include maintaining excellent water quality, providing a varied diet rich in vitamins, and avoiding overcrowding. Quarantine new fish and treat outbreaks promptly with appropriate medications.

Overview

Care and tank setup

Tank setup should include a sandy substrate, large rocks or driftwood for territorial boundaries, and hardy plants like Anubias or Java fern attached to decor (as they may uproot softer plants). Provide strong filtration to handle their high waste output, with a turnover rate of at least 4x tank volume per hour. Lighting should be moderate; bright lights can increase stress and aggression. Water parameters must be stable: perform 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain low nitrates (<20 ppm). Use a heater to maintain consistent temperature within 24-28°C (75-82°F). Avoid sudden pH shifts; buffer with crushed coral or limestone if needed to maintain pH 7.0-8.0. Test water weekly for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. Feed a varied diet 2-3 times daily in amounts consumed within 2-3 minutes. Base diet on high-protein cichlid pellets (40-50% protein), supplemented 2-3 times weekly with frozen or live foods. Offer vegetable matter 1-2 times weekly. Overfeeding leads to obesity and water quality issues; monitor body condition regularly.

Adding a Red Devil? Research the species’ adult size and temperament carefully, quarantine new fish before introducing them to your tank, and buy from reputable aquarium stores or breeders.

Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Red Devil, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.