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Red devil cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) — Cichlidae

Red devil cichlid

Amphilophus labiatus
Family: Cichlidae
NativeIntroduced

The Red devil cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 28 cm.

Length
28.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Nicaragua
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The red devil is a large cichlid from the great lakes of Nicaragua in Central America. The species grows to about 28 cm and has a robust body with thick, fleshy lips; colour ranges from grey to bright orange-red, especially in cultivated forms. As a territorial predator it guards an area and hunts small fish, snails and insects. It is a fiercely defending parental brooder. The fish is harmless to humans, though it can be aggressive in the aquarium.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Red devil cichlid?

The Red devil cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Red devil cichlid live?

The Red devil cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: Nicaragua

How big does the Red devil cichlid get?

The Red devil cichlid grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.

Is the Red devil cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Red devil cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Red devil cichlid edible?

Yes, the Red devil cichlid is commonly eaten.

More photos

Red devil cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Aquatic Ecosystem Health, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Red devil cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) donnymidas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Red devil cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) — Cichlidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — AtelierMonpli (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Red devil cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) — Cichlidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — J. Jury (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Red devil cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Amphilophus labiatus
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Red devil sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
28.3 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Nicaragua sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Amphilophus

More from the family Cichlidae

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