Difference between revisions of "Amphilophus labiatus"

From The Aquarium Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
 
Line 50: Line 50:
 
|identification=:This fish can be mistaken for ''[[Amphilophus citrinellus]]''. Red devils are more elongated, more streamlined fish whereas the Midas cichlid is a bulkier, taller-bodied fish.  Midas typically will grow a larger nuchal hump than Red devils.  Also, when viewed from above the mouth of a Red devil will be a V shaped whereas the mouth of a Midas will be more of a U shaped.  The snout of the Midas is shorter and more blunt than the more elongated snout of a Red devil.
 
|identification=:This fish can be mistaken for ''[[Amphilophus citrinellus]]''. Red devils are more elongated, more streamlined fish whereas the Midas cichlid is a bulkier, taller-bodied fish.  Midas typically will grow a larger nuchal hump than Red devils.  Also, when viewed from above the mouth of a Red devil will be a V shaped whereas the mouth of a Midas will be more of a U shaped.  The snout of the Midas is shorter and more blunt than the more elongated snout of a Red devil.
  
:Red devil and Midas cichlids have been hybridized for years so the commonly seen "Red devils" seen in fish stores are hybrids of the 2 species.  To find a pure specimen of ''[[Amphilophus citrinellus]]'' or ''Amphilophus labiatus'' one must find a reputable breeder, seller or importer.
+
:Red devil and Midas cichlids have been hybridized for years, so the commonly seen "Red devils" seen in fish stores are hybrids of the 2 species.  To find a pure specimen of ''[[Amphilophus citrinellus]]'' or ''Amphilophus labiatus'' one must find a reputable breeder, seller or importer.
  
 
:In the wild, Red devils can be found both in the Coloured variety and barred variety with the barred variety being more common due to the higher likelihood of the brightly coloured fish being picked off by larger predators.  In the aquarium trade, however, the brightly coloured, selectively bred specimens are more prominent.
 
:In the wild, Red devils can be found both in the Coloured variety and barred variety with the barred variety being more common due to the higher likelihood of the brightly coloured fish being picked off by larger predators.  In the aquarium trade, however, the brightly coloured, selectively bred specimens are more prominent.

Revision as of 13:07, 16 November 2017

Red Devil

Amphilophus labiatus-373.jpg
Red Devil

Amphilophus labiatus

246 Litres (65 US G.)

25.4-35.6cm (10-14 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

7.5 - 7.8

28 -33 °C (82.4-91.4°F)

6-10 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

5-8 years

Family

Cichlidae

This animal is available captive bred



Additional names

Red Devil

Additional scientific names

Heros labiatus, Cichlasoma labiatum, Herichthys labiatus


Origin

Endemic to the Atlantic slope of Nicaragua, in Lakes Nicaragua and Managua. Has been introduced in Singapore, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Sexing

Males can grow between 25-34cm (9.8-13.4") and will be larger in body whilst females are usually smaller and more delicate. Males will show a large nuchal hump.

Tank compatibility

This is a very territorial and robust Cichlid that is either best kept alone in a species tank or with similar-sized robust fish like large Plecos and other large South American Cichlids provided the tank is large enough to allow for territories and filtration is more than adequate.

Diet

This fish is most definitely not a fussy eater and will eat most foods. Feed high quality Cichlid pellets as well as live/frozen food such as brine shrimp, crickets, mealworms and other meaty foods. Feeding this Cichlid shrimp with shells on will help maintain it's orange colouration as the shells contain carotene. It may also accept blanched vegetables such as lettuce and zucchini.
Avoid high protein foods like beefheart and feeder fish.

Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day. This fish has a big appetite.

Environment Specifics

These fish require large, long tanks. They are not planted tank safe and will "rearrange" tank décor, including pulling up plants and knocking over/breaking precariously-placed décor, thermometers, heaters or filters. Tank equipment should be sturdy and preferably housed in secure casing and any décor should be heavy and set straight on to the tank base to prevent it from being toppled.
The tank should be well filtered and mature, these are messy fish, and weekly partial water changes of at least 30% are essential.

Behaviour

A large and aggressive Cichlid. Is interactive with the goings on outside its tank and will come to recognise its owner.

Identification

This fish can be mistaken for Amphilophus citrinellus. Red devils are more elongated, more streamlined fish whereas the Midas cichlid is a bulkier, taller-bodied fish. Midas typically will grow a larger nuchal hump than Red devils. Also, when viewed from above the mouth of a Red devil will be a V shaped whereas the mouth of a Midas will be more of a U shaped. The snout of the Midas is shorter and more blunt than the more elongated snout of a Red devil.
Red devil and Midas cichlids have been hybridized for years, so the commonly seen "Red devils" seen in fish stores are hybrids of the 2 species. To find a pure specimen of Amphilophus citrinellus or Amphilophus labiatus one must find a reputable breeder, seller or importer.
In the wild, Red devils can be found both in the Coloured variety and barred variety with the barred variety being more common due to the higher likelihood of the brightly coloured fish being picked off by larger predators. In the aquarium trade, however, the brightly coloured, selectively bred specimens are more prominent.

Pictures

Videos

6 month old male:

External links