Amphilophus citrinellus
(Günther 1864)
Family Cichlidae

Lateral view of Midas cichlid
The photo above shows an adult, top, and a juvenile, bottom, Midas cichlid. These fish are now part of the Florida Museum ichthyology collection, UF 237884. Florida Museum photo by Zachary Randall

The Midas cichlid is a member of the cichlid and tilapia family. This species has a deep, compressed and oval body and a highly variable color pattern. Large individuals gradually become reddish-orange with many gray-black scales or large black blotches on the back or side. The dorsal profile of the head is concave, and this species has a rounded caudal fin. The Midas cichlid inhabits open waters and and rocky areas of lakes and canals.

Lateral view of Midas cichlid
These Midas cichlids were collected in Miami-Dade County, Florida in 2015. They are now part of the Florida Museum ichthyology collection, UF 237884. Florida Museum photo by Zachary Randall

Status & distribution

  • Status — Non-indigenous freshwater
  • Florida Distribution — Peninsula
  • River Drainages — Tampa Bay and the Everglades
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Similar Species

Mayan Cichlid