The Red Devil Cichlid is a Central American Cichlid and it is sometimes confused with its relative the Midas Cichlid. Red Devil Cichlids are endemic to two lakes in Costa Rica and Nicaragua – Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua. Though many specimens of this breed are grey in coloration, some are pink or white. Bright red specimens have also been known to occur and this coloration, paired with the aggressive nature of these fishes, is how this species’ common name was derived. Many Red Devil Cichlids also exhibit black spots or bands on the body.

Because they are a very aggressive species, Red Devil Cichlids are best kept in a species tank. Adding plants, whether live or artificial, will be a waste of time and expense since they’ll be quickly uprooted by this active fish. Any stacked rocks should be too heavy for this fish to move, or secured firmly in place with aquarium epoxy, to prevent them from falling and cracking the glass. If you choose to keep this fish with other tankmates, whether it be different species or its own kind, you’ll need a very large tank. Because this species tends to be very aggressive, it is wise to provide plenty of hiding places for other fish and to decorate the aquarium in such a way to create territorial boundaries. The Midas Cichlid has the muscle to back up its aggressiveness, so a tank in the range of 260 to 300 gallons would be the minimum recommended if you choose to add other fish. The best option is to simply keep the Red Devil Cichid in a species tank.