Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Gadiformes
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Genus
- Amphilophus
- Species
- citrinellus
Habitat
They are generally found in lakes and estuaries over a variety of substrate types; uncommon to rare in rivers and streams.
Diet
Midas cichlids are omnivorous, feeding on algae, detritus, small invertebrates like insects and crustaceans, and occasionally plant matter. They forage actively during the day by scraping food from rocks and substrates, often displaying aggressive behavior when competing for resources. Feeding peaks in the morning and late afternoon in their natural habitats.
Behavior
Midas cichlids are territorial and aggressive, particularly during breeding when they defend nesting sites vigorously. They are diurnal, active during the day, and often form loose schools in non-breeding periods but become solitary or paired when spawning. These fish exhibit complex parental care, with both parents guarding eggs and fry, and they are known for their ability to adapt to various social dynamics in aquarium settings.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.