my LFS has a beautiful show tank (probably 180 gallons or so) with a single 10-year old Midas cichlid (Cichlasoma Citrinellum). He was probably 16 inches long with a huge fatty lump on his head and thick lips that would make Angelina Jolie jealous. What a personality he had - similar to an Oscar - he came up to the glass and begged for food. I observed him for about 10 minutes and figured he had been watching alot of home decorating shows lately as he was busy moving gravel from one side of the tank to the other.

Due to his size, he would need a HUGE tank - but according to my fish atlas he gets a "peaceful community fish" stamp next to his picture (for what that's worth - LOL). Just thought I'd throw it out there for an interesting species to look at.

Had one... EVIL!! doesn't explain this fish. Peaceful my ass.

I'm always suspicious of those little "heart" or "multiple fish" symbols in the fish books. Proves it's prudent to ask advice first:)

Nickisue wrote:

i'm with nick, the closest relative of the midas is the red devil, mater of fact midas are often sold as devils because breeders mix the 2 so frreqeuntly, dont believe the hype!

The Midas Cichlid is NOT peacefull.As a matter of fact the male will even kill his mate if she does not want to breed.-I Love them.Similar in nature to Oscars,Just don't let them get hold of your hands .

unless your purchasing form a reputable breeder all you will find in lfs are midas/red devil hybrids.
now having said that the midas and red devil are very similar in temperment and that is aggressive. they are not the most aggressive cichlid out there but they are nasty and will desomate an oscar tank in short order. it is recommended to only keep them with other large aggressive tankmates like jags doviis festaes ect....

My jags hid from my Midas... I am telling you, he was nasty, a breeding pair of Jags hid from him Constantly!