Red Devil

Adults of this fish can reach 35 cm in length. Males are usually larger and have a characteristic nuchal hump that distinguishes them from females. Their dorsal and anal fins are elongated and pointed. The cichlid's coloration varies from light, whitish-yellow, to bright orange.

This species is endemic to Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua, located in modern-day Nicaragua in Central America. These are tectonic lakes, connected by the Tipitapa River. Amphilophus labiatus prefers to inhabit rocky shores, finding shelter among crevices. It is important to note that Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake in Central America; it is known for the bull sharks that enter it from the sea along the San Juan River.

This cichlid is considered one of the most aggressive among its relatives, attacking not only representatives of other fish species but also its own kind. Such clashes often end in the death of the weaker individual. Coexistence is possible only in aquariums with a volume of 1000 L or more. As tankmates, one should choose fish significantly larger in size that will not be easily intimidated, or large, well-protected catfish. For the amateur aquarist, the optimal solution is to keep this fish species in a species-specific tank.

For comfortable keeping of a single adult, an aquarium of at least 350 L is needed. In decorating the aquarium, preference is given to large stones, rock fragments, and gravel substrate. Live plants are not essential; artificial ones can be used if desired. All internal decor should be securely fastened, and equipment should be hidden if possible, so that the large fish does not accidentally damage it. The aquarium must be equipped with a secure lid, as despite its size, the Red Devil is capable of jumping. Water parameters such as pH and dGH have a wide acceptable range of values, which simplifies water preparation. The main difficulties are related to maintaining high water quality. Filtration and aeration systems must be powerful enough to process organic waste and ensure a high level of dissolved oxygen. Weekly water changes of 20–25% of the volume with fresh water are mandatory.

These cichlids are completely undemanding in terms of diet, eagerly consuming anything that fits into their mouths, including smaller fish. In a home aquarium, their diet should primarily consist of frozen, fresh, or live foods such as earthworms, pieces of snails and other mollusks, and shrimp. It is important to include vegetable supplements in the diet: peas, spinach, and so on. Specialized foods for large Central American cichlids offered by some manufacturers can be an excellent alternative.

The breeding process of the Red Devil itself is quite simple: during the breeding season, the fish perform all necessary actions independently, without requiring special conditions or a preliminary diet. The main difficulty lies in their incompatibility with each other; it is extremely difficult to form a breeding pair in home conditions. Due to their large size and aggressive behavior, Amphilophus labiatus are often kept singly; if a male is placed in the same tank as a female, the latter may soon die. There are several ways to obtain offspring in an artificial environment, but none of them guarantee 100% success. The first method: a male and a female from different aquariums are placed in one, separated by a transparent perforated partition. There is a small chance that after several weeks the male will get used to the female and reduce his aggression, which may lead to the formation of a temporary pair. The second method: initially, about 6 young individuals are acquired and grown together. As they mature, one pair may naturally form, capable of regularly producing offspring thereafter. The chances of pair formation increase proportionally to the number of young fish kept together; however, this is not typical for amateur aquaristics. Ultimately, it is better to acquire this species from professional breeders rather than attempting to breed them independently.

The main cause of most diseases in these fish is unsuitable keeping conditions and poor-quality nutrition. If initial symptoms are observed, it is first necessary to check water parameters and the concentration of dangerous substances such as ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. If the indicators deviate from the norm, they should be brought back into order, and only then should treatment begin.

When selecting individuals, attention should be paid to activity and the absence of visible damage, such as ulcers, film, or fin erosion. Due to the species' high territoriality, fish are often kept singly in stores, so it is important to assess their reaction to a person's approach: a healthy fish shows curiosity or pronounced aggression, not apathy. It is recommended to avoid purchasing specimens with signs of emaciation or a sunken abdomen. There is a risk of confusion with the closely related species Amphilophus citrinellus, as both species are often sold under the same name. When purchasing, it is advisable to clarify the fish's origin, as adult individuals adapt extremely poorly to changes in conditions and may show increased aggression towards new tankmates or the owner when stressed.