Midas/Red Devil - Whats the difference?

[cichlid_8810]

Can someone please tell me the difference between a Midas (Amphilophus Citrinellus) and a Red Devil (Amphilophus Labiatus)?

I have never kept these two species before but would love to someday. When the day comes I need to know what I am looking for and am well aware that these two species are often confused with each other. Therefore could someone show me what to look for in a juvenile of both species and what to look for in an adult (basically how they look). Please show me some photos too if you can, to make things easier.

Thanks for your time and help

 

[balton777]

Here's a little article that gives a lot of info. If you Google, there's probably a ton more information than I could explain in a post.

http://www.oscarfish.com/article-home/fish/90-red-devil-midas-cichlid.html

 

[pckts]

I always thought the Midas was more rare, but all i have ever seen around here (So Cal) are midas.

 

[BC in SK]

As noted in the link above, 2'' specimens are virtually identicle and even young adults can be more then difficult to distinguish. The problem with the link above is that all pictures are of wild caught specimens. Tank raised RD never develope the sort of thick lips exhibited by the specimens in this link.

In captivity, RD do not make their living in the same manner. Genes can be like switches ----if their is nothing in the enviroment to activate it, they don't get turned on. Especially after many generations in captivity, the traits associated with one or the other, may no longer be apparent.

Both fishes are VERY closely related. Crosses between the fishes have actually been found in lake Nicaragua, though the frequancy of this occurance is THOUGHT to be rare, and insignificant in terms of the populations as a whole.

Anyways, the only real way to be certain of having one or the other, is to order from a reputable dealer, such as Jeff Rapps.

 

[Amphilophus88]

Anyways, the only real way to be certain of having one or the other, is to order from a reputable dealer, such as Jeff Rapps.

In Europe there aren't as much hybrids. At least not here in Holland. My Midas is a hybrid but I just bought the first one I saw.

Anyways I believe all young Amphilophus look like each other.