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Etymology: citrinellus(L.); lemon like, refering to the lemon like yellow color of the fish.

Synonyms: Heros citrinellus, Heros basilaris, Cichlasoma basilare, Cichlasoma granadense, Erytrichthys citrinellum, Cichlasoma citrinellum.

Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) Order: Perciformes Family: Cichlidae, subfamily: Amphilophiae

First European import: Around 1970

Description: See pictures

Care: These fish require large aquaria when they are fully grown, and because of their aggressiv nature can only be kept in couples or as single fish. They can be combined with large robust other fish. Lemon cichlids dig a lot, so when setting up the tank this is one of the things that should be noted. When using large stones, place them on the bottom of the tank. These fish are carnivorous, and shouldn't be kept with small fish, and pollute a lot. Frequent waterchanges are necessary, as well as a good filtration system. Besides a lot of free swimming space, hideouts should be available to the fish, created with driftwood, stones and (floating) plants.Watervalues are not too important, although the fish are best kept in neutral, medium hard water.

Temperature:22-26°C

Feeding: Carnivorous, meaty products, large live food, and pellets.

Size: Up to 30 cm.

pH: 6.0-8.0 Hardness: 5-20 dGH

Breeding: Easy. The fish will spawn and deposit the eggs on stones. Over 1000 eggs have been reported, which will hatch in 2-3 days, and be free swimming 4-5 days later. The fry should remain with the parents! They eat of the skin of the parents, similar to Diskus fish.

Sexual dimorphism: Fully grown males have a bump on the head, and larger fins.

Prices: 10-15€

Additional: A greyisch form of Amphilophus citrinellus also exists.

Picture references:All pictures E. Naus

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1985): Aquarien Atlas II. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.
http://www.geocities.com/watermonster1/profiles/midascichlid.htm

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