TankBud

Lyons' cichlid

Amphilophus lyonsi

Also known as Lyonsi cichlid, Lyon's cichlid

FreshwaterFish

Lyons' cichlid (Amphilophus lyonsi)

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–84°F
24–29°C
pH
7.0–8.2
Adult size
7.1 in
18 cm
Minimum tank
106 gal
400 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Substrate spawner · Medium
Rarity
Common
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Pacific slope, Costa Rica and Panama

Overview

Lyons' cichlid is a mid-sized, territorial Amphilophus for a large tank. It is manageable for a keeper with a little experience.

Did you know

Lyons' cichlid is the southern outpost of Amphilophus, a genus famous for the crater lakes of Nicaragua.

Caring for the Lyons' cichlid

A pair of Lyons' cichlids needs at least 106 gal (400 L), which is the working minimum. Use sand and heavy wood, and break up the layout with real sight breaks.

Keep the water warm, at 75 to 84°F (24 to 29°C), with a pH of 7.0 to 8.2. Feed prepared and frozen meaty foods, and expect the fish to redecorate the substrate.

Lyons' cichlids are aggressive and hold territory firmly. Keep a proven pair or a single fish, since they will not share a tank with anything they can push around. Choose tank mates by size, and with caution.

They are substrate spawners with strong biparental care. Breeding them is of medium difficulty.

Good to know

Lyons' cichlid is gold-dusted over charcoal, with a dark blotch mid-flank. Its genus also holds the midas and red devil cichlids. This fish shows the same behavior in a body most tanks can accommodate.

In the wild

Amphilophus lyonsi lives in warm Pacific-slope rivers around the Costa Rica and Panama border. It stays over sand and among fallen wood.

Common questions

What size tank does a Lyons' cichlid need?

A Lyons' cichlid needs at least 106 gal (400 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Lyons' cichlid need?

A Lyons' cichlid is comfortable at 75–84°F (24–29°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.2.

What does a Lyons' cichlid eat?

A Lyons' cichlid eats prepared and frozen meaty foods.

How big does a Lyons' cichlid get?

An adult Lyons' cichlid reaches about 7.1 in (18 cm).

How does a Lyons' cichlid breed?

A Lyons' cichlid is a substrate spawner, and both parents give the brood strong care. Breeding it is of medium difficulty.

Related species