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Midas Cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus
Central American · Species profile

Midas Cichlid care

One of the most belligerent cichlids, toward other fish and its own kind.

  • Up to about 14 inches, not counting the tailAdult size
  • 70 to 79 FTemperature

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Food

An omnivore. A quality cichlid pellet as the staple, plus frozen foods and some vegetable matter.

Feeding guide

Tank mates

Usually best alone or as a pair.

Compatibility guide

Best setup

A tank at least 5 feet long and 18 inches front to back, more for a pair. Sand, large smooth rocks and driftwood, with strong filtration. Wedge or glue rockwork securely, as these fish dig and move things.

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In the fish room

Midas Cichlid in color

Bold color, real personality, natural-looking setups. The look that makes you stop in a great fish store.

Midas cichlid
Midas cichlid
Midas cichlid close-up color
Midas cichlid close-up color
Midas in a Central American setup
Midas in a Central American setup

Care basics

The Midas cichlid is a big, powerful fish that is often gold or orange and grows a hump on the head. It has a big personality to match its size.

It is usually kept alone or as a pair in a very large tank. Only very large tanks allow tank mates.

Quick facts

Scientific nameAmphilophus citrinellus
GroupCentral America
Native toLakes and rivers of Nicaragua and Costa Rica
Adult sizeUp to about 14 inches, not counting the tail
Tank sizeA tank at least 5 feet long and 18 inches front to back, more for a pair
Temperature70 to 79 F
pH6.0 to 8.0
TemperamentOne of the most belligerent cichlids, toward other fish and its own kind.

Figures follow published species profiles such as Seriously Fish, and tank sizes are general guidance. Individual fish and local water vary, so test your water and ask your fish store about the specific fish you buy.

Where to buy

In stock online for Midas Cichlid

We check these online sellers that ship. Partners show up first. Local shops are listed separately as visit the store.

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  • Imperial Tropicals
    1-2" UnsexedIn stock, checked 2:00 PM ET
Sold out at last check (1)

Stock checked 2:00 PM ET on 2026-10-27. A fish can sell out between checks.

Local fish stores

Walk-in shops are listed as visit the store only. We do not claim their stock online. Find a store near you.

Ozzy the oscar holding a shopping bag
Shop the setup

Shop the Midas Cichlid setup

The tank, food, filter, heater and decor that suit Midas Cichlid, based on the care notes above.

Product photos link to Amazon so you can compare current prices. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.

Amazon kits

Buy the whole setup for this fish

A complete Amazon cart of gear we recommend for this species. Review every item on Amazon before you buy.

Buy the whole setup

40-gallon Central American setup

Wide footprint for a pair or small group of Central Americans: breeder tank, HOB filter, heater, staple pellets, caves and sand.

Add the whole setup to your Amazon cart (8 items)

8 Amazon listings in this kit. You review and confirm before buying.

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Gear We Recommend

Gear for Midas Cichlid

All gear
Hikari Cichlid Gold Large Pellets 8.8 oz
Best for: Oscars and big cichlids

Hikari Cichlid Gold Large Pellets 8.8 oz

Big bites for big mouths, with less mess than frozen foods.

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Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter
Best for: 55 to 100 gallon tanks

Fluval 407 Performance Canister Filter

Quiet multi-stage canister that is the workhorse of mid-size cichlid tanks.

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All Glass Aquarium 125-Gallon
Best for: Oscars and big cichlid communities

All Glass Aquarium 125-Gallon

Six feet of swimming room for big New World cichlids.

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CaribSea Texas Holy Rock 40 lb
Best for: African rock tanks

CaribSea Texas Holy Rock 40 lb

Lots of caves and it gently buffers hardness for Malawi and Tanganyika fish.

Check price on Amazon

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Buy from a cichlid store. Find a local fish store near you or a trusted seller with fish in stock online.