How to Identify Red Terror Cichlid

To identify Red Terror Cichlid (Amphilophus festae), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Males are typically orange to red-orange with irregular dark vertical bars or blotches, often developing a nuchal hump with age. Females are generally more intensely red or orange, especially on the flanks and fins, with prominent black spots or bars. Both sexes have iridescent blue or green spangling on the body and fins. The dorsal and anal fins are often edged in red or orange.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, robust body with a deep profile., Prominent nuchal hump in mature males., Intense red/orange coloration, particularly in females., Iridescent blue/green spangling on body and fins., Large, protractile mouth with conical teeth.

Dorsal fin

Long and continuous, extending almost the entire length of the back, with spiny anterior rays and soft posterior rays. Typically 16-18 dorsal spines and 10-12 soft rays.

Tail fin

Rounded to truncate, often with iridescent spangling.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small and rounded.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is similar in structure to the dorsal fin, with 6-8 anal spines and 7-9 soft rays. Pelvic fins are pointed.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size and Body Shape

   Look for a large, deep-bodied cichlid, often reaching 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) in length. Males develop a noticeable nuchal hump.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Observe the vibrant red/orange base coloration, especially in females. Both sexes have iridescent blue/green spangling and irregular dark markings.

3. 3

   Geographic Origin

   Confirm its origin from the Pacific slope of Ecuador and Peru, which helps distinguish it from similar-looking Central American cichlids.

4. 4

   Fin Structure

   Note the long, continuous dorsal and anal fins, characteristic of many cichlids, but pay attention to the specific ray counts if precise identification is needed.

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