These cichlids are not . Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 22N (178.57 - 392.86ppm) 0C 32F 30C 86F Scientific Name : Amphilophus labiatus. They are often mistaken for carnivores because they are so aggressive with other fish and often eat them. Doing so will ensure the safety of everyone involved, from the red devil cichlid parents to the fry to the other fish in the tank. Once the partnership forms, they can be moved into a breeding tank with a temperature of 77 F (25 C). Help the process along by creating a subtle hill or introducing a piece of driftwood into the tank for the female to use. Website#c63077c7c3f9962a3aec3555{display:none}. Red devils are known to aggressively attack fish even much larger than them and even go after the smaller shark species. Any new fish, invertebrate, plant, or decoration could be carrying disease or chemicals into your tank, so take care to mitigate the chance of infection by placing any addition in a holding tank until you can confirm that it is disease-free. However, when they reach adulthood, they do not tolerate tankmates. You may be able to keep it with an opposite gender red devil but watch for aggression. Resources Freshwater Fish Red Devil FishRed Devil Fish Care [Red Devil Cichlid]October 8, 2021 RobertAlthough red devil fish (also known as red devil cichlids) are extremely aggressive and can pose a threat to other fish in the tank, aquarists still love these large cichlids.Red devil cichlids are an amazing, freshwater species native to Central America. There is also evidence that Hole-in-the-Head is caused by a nutrition deficiency, so providing a varied and balanced diet is vital. Some aquarists have managed to extend the fishs lifespan in captivity, but that depends on the actual living conditions. The Red Devil Cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) is a large Central American species that is usually found in submerged rocky areas hiding among the crevices in Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua.. This fish can grow up to 12 inches in length, and it is best suited for an African biotope tank. They are so fierce that they have been known to ram the glass of tanks, break heaters and other equipment by smashing into them, and even bite their owners. Official name: the scientific name for the Red Devil is the Cichlasoma Labiatum. Soon they will be big enough to eat live food in small pieces.Pro-tip: When the larvae hatch and when the fry are developing, it is vital to give the red devil family space. The vent in male red cichlids is usually the same size as the anus. Fish Lore Forum : Red Devil Cichlid Forum, Photo Credit : Photos copyright JJPhoto.dk, FishLore.com - providing tropical fish tank and aquarium information for freshwater and saltwater fish keepers. . With their aggressive tendencies, its almost impossible to keep another fish inside a Red Devil Cichlids habitat. 6-25 GH. A female red devil cichlid has a broad and flattened papillae/ovipositor that helps in egg-laying. Probably its time to give it a try, then! Males are more colorful than the females and generally possess a nuchal hump. I have a 125 gallon tank and my Red Devil pair had about 30 Fry that are about an inch long now. Size : 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30 cm), possibly larger, Origin / Habitat : Central America, in Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua. That said, Red Devil . Because red devils are so aggressive, the bigger the tank you can provide, the better. But if both methods dont work, its time to seek expert advice. The Red Devil Cichlid is one fish that will redecorate the tank to it's liking. Similarly, if the male fish in question is often dominated or has rounder dorsal fins, he could be mistaken for a female. It gets even more expensive for multi-species because the chosen tank should have at least a 200-gallon capacity. Another less obvious distinction between the two species is their origin. Once they have established their love connection, you should move them to a breeding tank if you have other fish in your aquarium.Once in the breeding tank, they will dig a pit and the female will lay the eggs there.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Red devil cichlid eggs have an amber/yellow hue and are transparent. Red Empress Cichlids typically reach sexual maturity at 8 to 9 months. Red devil cichlids are omnivores. About FishLore | Size: 12. They are coloring up nicely, are very hungry, and very aggressive! The ideal breeding conditions entail temperature adjustment up to around 77F. The blood parrot cichlid may not be the most visually appealing red cichlid, but it is the most popular. Fine sand is a better choice for red devil cichlids. We mentioned before that the red devil is among the larger aquarium fish youll find, measuring at 15 inches (38 cm). This causes visible pits to form on the head and face. Red Devil Cichlids are interesting fish, both in appearance and behaviour. Read My Experience. They are often mistaken for carnivores because they are so aggressive with other fish and often eat them. However to make sure your fish are healthy it is best to give them a diverse diet. Red Devil Fish. With their big teeth and powerful jaws, red devil cichlids are a force to be reckoned with. If they are tired of swimming, Red Devil Cichlids will spend much of their time fighting other fish or asserting their dominance over weaker species inside the aquarium. These included Melafix and antibiotics that covered gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Amphilophus labiatum, female. Pickup Not Available. Once she finds the perfect place, shell lay all the eggs at once. It has been selectively bred both for its brilliant patterns and extremely high intelligence. Blood parrots are territorial but their limited mobility means they cannot swim away from trouble easily. Temperament: Aggressive (it's best on its own) If you must put a tank mate in with your Red Devil Cichlid, it's best to pick another Red Devil of the opposite gender. Red Devil Cichlids are not vulnerable to specific diseases affecting their family. Copyright Urban Fishkeeping. Amphilophus labiatus is a large cichlid fish endemic to Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua in Central America. Add to Cart. Free shipping for many products! Even red devils born in captivity have a proclivity for the same kind of environment. Red Devil Fish is a beautiful, fascinating, and interesting freshwater fish with a unique appearance. Read our interesting list of Black and White Spotted Fish. Vegetables and algae actually decrease your red devil cichlids chance of contracting Hole-in-the-Head disease (also known as hexamitiasis). Both male and female red devil cichlids have a powerful set of teeth and jaw, contributing to their predatory instincts. 8 years ago. Try to provide a balanced diet for them and not too much of the same foods all the time. Jewel cichlids, especially the red jewel cichlids, are popular for their beautiful coloration. They can be very interesting to observe but also can be territorial. Since then, they became a very popular fish species worldwide. They also have a prominent nuchal hump thats missing in females. Read our lists ofpet fish with big eyes, white freshwater fish,Black and White Striped Fishandwhite saltwater fishhere. But for first-time Cichlid keepers, keeping Red Devil Cichlids at home wont be a walk in the park. Oct 5, 2005. Cichlids also come in many highly attractive colors, but none are more stunning than red cichlids. Be sure to then prepare them by feeding them a lot of nutrient-rich foods (bloodworms are a good choice). Origin: the red devil cichlid is limited to the Nicaraguan lakes: Lago Nicaragua and Lago Managua, while the Midas is seen more widely through Central America, from Costa Rica to Nicaragua. filled with rocks and places to hide to allow for them to have their space and territory. I`ve kept them for quite some time because I was curious to see how they were going to turn out, and I must say they`ve turned out quite nice. In terms of lighting, red devil cichlids need normal, moderate lighting again, keep cords out of their reach. How big does a red devil cichlid get? SKU: UPC: MPN: $75.00. Add to Wish List. It is large and can reach up to 15 inches (38 cm). They often have a midline black stripe, or spots, which is also covered in speckling. They can even grow up to 15 inches, so you can see that these fish will require a relatively large tank to live in. This fish is known for its stunning look. They will do OK if you keep them with their mate (remember, they do attach as a monogamous pair). Red devil cichlids have been known to grow to approximately 16 inches in captivity and will reach their full length in about the first three years of their 13 year-long lifespans. These fish were relatively unknown until the mid-20 th century. It is an aragonite based, white and slightly coarse substrate. Answering if the red devil cichlid is a male or female can be quite . The exception to this is with mated pairs as these fish are a monogamous species. . Read our interesting guide on 8 Best White Cichlids. Red devil cichlids are not only aggressive to other fish; they also dislike other red devil cichlids. red texas cichlid for sale jaguar cichlid for sale black nasty cichlid . In the wild, the Red Devil Cichlid is a predator, and it feeds on small fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic organisms. Red Zebra Cichlid MEDIUM. Again, keeping a clean tank reduces the risk of ich, as does creating a stress-free environment for your red devil. Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 27 cm (7.87 - 10.63 inch) 0 14. If youre going to opt for venting to find out, make sure the fish is still in the water during the entire process. And despite the fact that they attack and eat other fish, they are not carnivores, so they also need vegetables to balance out their diet and maintain optimal health. Its demand becomes high with time due to its stunning features that make them different from other fish. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/139/1/012018, https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/amphilophus-labiatus/, Males are bigger and develop nuchal humps, 8-20 dGH (143.2-358 ppm or 143.2-358 mg/L), Move the pair or the tank mates to a separate tank, Raise the water temperature to mimic the wild breeding season. Read our interesting guide on How to Pet a Cichlid. Read our guide on Cichlid Tank Mates and Most Aggressive Cichlids here. Like most Cichlid varieties, Red Devil Cichlids are susceptible to Ich, a highly contagious parasitic infection that causes visible white spots all over the fishs body. Colored Red Devil Cichlid MEDIUM. Red Devil cichlids prefer to consume animal matter, whether freeze-dried, frozen, freshly prepared or live. Red devil cichlids are known as an invasive species in particular regions. CButton. This tank should have a strong filter and sufficient oxygen, as well as a moderate current.How Many Red Devils per Gallon?One red devil: 55 gallons (208 L)Two red devils: 125 gallons (473 L)Multiples: 200 gallons (757 L) A 55-gallon aquarium is the minimum suggested for a single fish, 125 gallons for a pair, and 200 gallons if keeping several large cichlidsTank MatesThe ferocious nature of the red devil cichlid can not be overstated. Similar to other cichlids, nutrition variety is key for red devil cichlids. A juvenile Texas cichlid has pearly gray with white dots on its fins. Male red devil cichlids have a prominent nuchal hump, a raised feature on the forehead. Hello Craigslist and cichlid enthusiasts! They can form the perfect bond with their owners in the right environment, which adds to their admirable personalities. That means they will feed on any food available inside the tank. The setup of your tank is very important with this species. Their bodies are primarily red with some orange on the belly and back. Juveniles are priced moderately, but adults that are in good condition and ready for breeding will cost you more. You can recognize it by tiny white dots scattering over the fishs body. 25 watching. . Oscar cichlid can work as well in a large enough tank. The red devil cichlid parents will do whatever it takes to protect their young. Copyright 2022 - Fishkeeping World - All Rights Reserved, Robert Woods is the creator of FishKeeping World, a third-generation fish keeper, and a graduate in animal welfare and behavior. In the wild, they are sometimes seen with larger lips, but that does not seem to occur in captivity. Their . A friend of mine, a fellow fishkeeper, recently got a pair of red devil cichlids for breeding. Red Devil Cichlid: Beginner Care Guide (Size, Diet, Tank Mates). And remember these fish take three long years to mature. The red Texas cichlid is a brilliantly red fish with golden eyes. All in a day's work, I guess. This seems to be a result of diet however as this feature does not appear on red devil cichlids raised in captivity. Generally, the females guard the eggs, and the males keep watch over the environment.Keep in mind that as the red devil cichlid fry grow, you will need a larger tank to accommodate the new fish, and you will need to find sufficient hiding places for everyone.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-netboard-1','ezslot_20',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-netboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-netboard-1','ezslot_21',124,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-netboard-1-0_1');.netboard-1-multi-124{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}Are Red Devil Cichlids Suitable for your Aquarium?After reading this article, you probably know whether or not you are a red devil cichlid kind of person. Heres What Science Thinks! Red devil cichlids are diggers by nature so fine sand is the best choice for the bottom of your tank. Answering if the red devil cichlid is a male or female can be quite tricky because they display minimal sexual dimorphism. These cichlids are the easiest to care for on this list and are suitable for beginners. Red devil cichlids are also known to be vulnerable to Hole-in-the-Head disease. Red devils have compelling personalities and form attachments with their owners, but the experience of a seasoned aquarist will promote health and wellness for these aggressive cichlids and their tankmates. Needing a higher pH balance and lower hardness. (a=>{let b=document.getElementById(a.i),c=document.getElementById(a.w);b&&c&&(b.value="",c.style.display="none")})({"w":"cbad0e4cbd1d2","i":"cbad0e4cbd1d2"}); My never-ending love and fascination with Aquascaping started when I received a red-eared turtle for my 10th birthday. But it doesnt stop there. Interestingly, Red Devil Cichlids are not fond of live plants in their natural environment. Hi, I'm Matt! Doing this will also reduce the amount of organic waste you have to deal with in your aquarium. Now that youve mastered Red Devil Cichlid care, are you convinced they are the best pets for your home aquarium? Keep them singly or you may be able to keep them as a mated pair in a larger tank. Red devils have a monogamous nature which allays several common breeding problems. Even for beginners, the breeding process should be hassle-free. They are fast and violent fish who will not tolerate being bullied by the red devil. Amphilophus labiatus was originally classified in 1964 as Cichlasoma labiatum by a man by the name of Gunther. Make sure to either use larger rocks or secure smaller rocks to the bottom of the tank in some manner to prevent the fish from moving them around. Some common maladies to watch for include: Hole-in-the-Head disease: This condition is recognizable by the actual holes in your red devils head and face. Dont be surprised to see even the rarer multi-colored species like the black-tipped Cichlids from local pet stores. How long do the parents protect their fry from other fish. Apart from researching and writing, I spend hours gazing at my 3 turtles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They love to dig, so dont be surprised if you find that the plants you added to your tank are uprooted, demolished, or enjoyed as a snack. Also, you can introduce enough distractors in the form of multiple hiding spots to limit aggression and control the fishs territorial behavior. Heros lobochilus Gnther, 1867. They may or may not do ok with other, larger cichlids. Well also discuss how to best mitigate the aggressive tendencies of this unique variety of cichlid. If a female has more vibrant colors or doesnt have well-developed genital, its easy to confuse her for a male. The first 3 images are the parents. The second is larger and higher than the true eye, closer to the tailfin. It's a big jump in both size and price, but if you don't have enough space, you'll have fish fights to the death in your tank. To ensure your Cichlids acquire all nutrients, you can introduce them to vitamins from vegetable sources on occasion. Pro-tip: When the larvae hatch and when the fry are developing, it is vital to give the red devil family space. Remember that if youre getting them as young fish, or breeding them, theyre going to be a lot bigger when they grow to maturity. Saltwater or Fresh: The Red Devil Cichlid is purely a freshwater fish, meaning that it is not a tropical fish and should not be confused with other bright and colorful saltwater fish. If you have a tank with other fish besides the mating pair, you should separate the pair for mating in a separate aquarium tank. To prevent the buildup of phosphates, nitrates, and water hardness, replace at least 25% to 30% of the water weekly. Lastly, Flowerhorns can also potentially work for the same reasons as the other fish above. In terms of general body coloration, you will spot several varieties depending on the genetic composition. Loading. Tropical fish keeping enthusiasts will readily attest that the Red Devil Cichlid is one of the most aggressive cichlids around, bar none. At 15 inches, these are very large fish and they need space to swim so that they can remain strong. Breeding red devil cichlids in captivity is reasonably easy. As far as temperature goes the water should be kept somewhere between 75 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Many aquarists recount stories of their red devils killing other fish.For that reason, we have to recommend that you keep red devil cichlids in a solitary tank.Keeping Red Devils TogetherAdvertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Red devil cichlids are not only aggressive to other fish; they also dislike other red devil cichlids. But they are not just long they are also sturdy creatures that can weigh almost 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg). Fishkeeping World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and any other affiliated sites. These distinctions include:Size: the red devil cichlid is about 15 inches (38 cm) long, while the Midas ranges from 10-14 (25-35 cm).Origin: the red devil cichlid is limited to the Nicaraguan lakes: Lago Nicaragua and Lago Managua, while the Midas is seen more widely through Central America, from Costa Rica to Nicaragua.Fun fact: the red devil cichlid is often also confused with the saltwater Garibaldi damselfish due to their similar appearance, but the red devil is solely a freshwater species.The red devil cichlid prefers open waters and hangs out among rocks and logs, where it can find a quick hiding place when necessary. Also, they have big teeth with strong jaws that can be devastating during a fight. Free Shipping $35+. Also, because they are so ferocious, they need room to spread out and have their personal space.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-netboard-2','ezslot_22',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-netboard-2-0');Related ArticlesFreshwater FishElectric Blue Acara Care Guide & Species ProfileApril 20, 2022 RobertFreshwater FishJack Dempsey Fish Care & OverviewFebruary 25, 2022 RobertFreshwater FishJewel Cichlid Care Guide & Species ProfileDecember 19, 2022 RobertFreshwater FishGerman Blue Ram Care Guide & Species ProfileMay 25, 2022 RobertFreshwater FishBumblebee Cichlid Care Guide & Species ProfileDecember 29, 2021 RobertFreshwater FishCockatoo Cichlid Care Guide & Species ProfileMarch 16, 2021 Robert. This disease manifests in the form of symptoms such as swelling in the abdomen, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, discolored feces and lolling at the bottom of the tank. ViejaGuy. Theyll even follow you around the room (from inside the tank, of course! I haven't even been able to find a picture of an adult yet. $19.98. They are omnivores, so they will eat pretty much whatever you offer them. Yes! Red Devil Cichlids are not vulnerable to specific diseases affecting their family. It is also known by the common name red devil cichlid, which it shares with another closely related cichlid, A. citrinellus . Either way, it is a highly iridescent fish with glittering fins. The ferocious nature of the red devil cichlid can not be overstated. The porous nature of crushed coral makes an excellent biological filter for the aquarium while also buffering the pH. Plain old non-iodized table salt (NaCl) will work just fine for this. Your live fish may not match the image shown due to natural variations in each species. You can find red devils both online and in common stores. As you may probably guess, these fish require enough swimming space to roam around the tank freely and at least control their aggression. Hi I have a red devil large he was white when I first got him or her and now its turning white and eats very little is this normal. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Midas Cichlid Red Devil Cichlid 5-6" Live Tropical Fish T261 at the best online prices at eBay! However, we believe the first step to keeping a healthy community is to provide ideal living conditions at home. 14 watchers . The males are larger than the females. Female red devil cichlids are more peaceful and docile than their male counterparts. Since the Red Devil can be a prodigious digger, it is advisable to place heavy objects, like large rocks, directly . Next, well get into more detail about their vicious behavior. Breeding red devil cichlids is not difficult. Size : 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30 cm), possibly larger. Cichlids are well known for both their high intelligence and their high levels of interactivity. Luckily, treating it is easier with common over-the-counter medications. As the name suggests, they are bright red, which ranges from a reddish orange to deep blood red. You can feed the fry Artemia nauplii. Source: www.youtube.com. Your fish looks like a red star flower horn to me. If you dream of creating a perfect community, you must first set up an ideal environment with suitable conditions. Planning and organizing a tank that ensures the safety of the red devils and their tank mates requires a certain level of expertise and experience. Remember that larger fish create more waste.When water evaporates, nitrate, and phosphate levels rise; hence, the importance of water changes.Pro tip: Maintaining oxygen is important for red devils, so try adding a couple of airstones to your aquarium to ensure healthy oxygen levels. We mentioned that Red Devil Cichlids would want to attack practically anything on sight. The nuchal hump is missing in female cichlids. They love to dig, so dont be surprised if you find that the plants you added to your tank are uprooted, demolished, or enjoyed as a snack.Besides additions to the tank, you should leave space red devil cichlids are big, so they need more room to swim.Also keep filters, heaters, and hoses covered and hidden so that the red devils dont destroy them, too. The flower horn cichlid is a selectively bred hybrid of several unknown cichlids. This tank should have a strong filter and sufficient oxygen, as well as a moderate current. The Red Devil Cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) is a type of Central American Cichlid, and they are endemic to Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua in Central America. It is covered in either white spots or mottling, though the amount of white covering the fish highly varies between individuals. Female red devil cichlids are more peaceful and docile than their male counterparts. Thus, they prefer calm habitats with soft water flow and lots of rocks and plants to hide. Family: Cichlidae. Comment for robots The white pearly calvus is incredibly unique with white polka dots and an elongated face. It is not uncommon to see red devils with black spots or bands on their tails or fins. Also, male Red Devil Cichlids appear larger than females. Quick view . Water hardness should be between 6 to 25 dGH. On the other hand, the Midas cichlid has a less elongated body, flat lips, and a shorter mouth. Both male and female red devil cichlids take part in raising the fry. Jewel cichlids, especially the red jewel cichlids, are popular for their beautiful coloration. For a breeding pair, you need to more than double that size to 125 gallons. Red Devil Cichlids are an intimidating species for many reasons, and if you are seeing them for the first time, you will be amazed by their beefy appearance. Thats not too surprising considering the red devil is one of the most violent and savage cichlids around. They use flattened rocks and logs for spawning. All Rights Reserved. 2007. Of course, we are assuming that at this point, you will have already started to feed your Red Devil Cichlids on high-quality protein-rich foods like worms. The coloration is solid and bright, but red alone is not what makes them beautiful. But being such an aggressive and territorial species, these Cichlids dont coexist with any fish in the same habitat. Any one of these cichlids could be the perfect pet for you, so what are you waiting for? Red Devil Cichlid (2) $7.59. $19.98. However, they need a variety of different types of food to stay healthy and disease-free. It is not uncommon to see red devils with black spots or bands on their tails or fins. They're avid swimmers and will quickly outgrow cramped tanks as they get bigger. The male Red devil cichlids dig a pit in the breeding tank, and female fish lay transparent eggs that have an amber/ yellow hue. They are notorious for their anger and dont usually get along well with others, but they can tolerate being in a tank with other fish as long as you dont have any other Jack Dempsey males in the tank with them. If you absolutely have to have more than one fish in the tank with a red devil cichlid you will need a very big tank (about 200 gallons AT LEAST!!) Retrieved December 1, 2022, from Seriouslyfish.com website. Origin: Farm-Raised in US. Females will lay between 600-700 eggs per breeding session. These spots begin behind the mouth and eyes and continue along the body and ultimately across the tail fin. The male red devil cichlids tube generally points straight and downward. Always prioritize high-quality water by performing frequent changes at least every week and installing the right filtration system to eliminate contaminants. Unfortunately, it was released into the waterways by hobbyists, and theyve established themselves in the area. They use flattened rocks and logs for spawning.AppearanceAdvertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Red devil cichlids show a wide color variation, from grey to green to white, pink, and red. Place of Origin: Nicaragua, Costa Rica Typical Tank Setup: Rocks, caves and driftwood / bogwood. Make sure to feed the pair nutritious food like daphnia and bloodworms. Red devil cichlids receive their name due to the fact they are an extremely aggressive species and require a very large tank in order to exist in relative peace with other fish. Diet: Omnivore. Some aquarists have treated this disease using conservative methods like increasing the water temperature to about 86F. As your cichlid grows it may become more aggressive and those tank mates such as. Their bodies are covered with linear clusters of speckles that range from electric blue to white and give the appearance of a shimmering fish, hence the name. Otherwise, she will prepare a space herself around a flat rock or inclined substrate. Water pH should be maintained between 6.5 and 7.5. These fish are prone to moving around and wreaking havoc on their environment so it is best to be prepared for this. They are a selectively bred variant, so ensure you buy yours from a reputable source or see it in person first, as the more common yellow variety can be mislabeled as the beautiful ruby red. It is best to not include plants since these fish will likely shred all the foliage around them if they dont just dig them up. The next section will cover the fishs origin, general appearance, tank size, diet, behavior, tank mates, breeding, and more. Delivery Not Available. It's good to have several such fish in a tank. Feed your fish live food much more frequently, Ohee, H. L., Mote, N., Rice, M. A., & Sujarta, P. (2020). Though be advised not to feed them mammalian meat, as you can do with other species of cichlids.Too much can cause intestinal problems, though the occasional treat is all right.