The Two Red Fishes of Lake Wilson

[Ahnkochee]

I purchased a book today entitled "Hawaii's Native & Exotic Freshwater Animals", and this book verified what I suspected for many years- That there are 2 species of red colored Cichlids in Oahu's streams and lakes.

Midas Cichlid (Cichlasoma citrinellus)


Red Devil (Cichlasoma labiatum)


The Midas Cichlid has a short rounder muzzle and small lips whereas the Red Devil has bigger lips and a pointier muzzle. The Midas Cichlid has a proportionately shorter wider body then the Red Devil. The Midas grows to 12 inches but the Red Devil grows larger up to 15 inches, and is more aggressive in behavior. Even though they are closely related in areas where their habitats overlap they are not known to interbreed and hybridize. I believe from my experience catching these fish at both Ho'omaluhia, and Lake Wilson over the years that the Midas Cichlid was the first to be established with the Red Devil coming on the scene many years afterwards the Midas Cichlids being much more popular in the aquarium trade than the Red Devil. I think what we more often catch is the Midas Cichlid like one my bro-in-law caught a couple months back in Lake Wilson.
Does it make a difference? Nah, not really, just thought I'd let you know, easier to call all of them "Red Devils" I guess.