Red Diamond Phoenix Mammon Cichlid (Cichlasoma sp)

Red Diamond Phoenix Mammon Cichlid — Cichlasoma sp.
The rebirth of a classic Central American powerhouse

The Red Diamond Phoenix Mammon Cichlid is a modern collector’s cichlid — a selectively refined line bred for intensity, structure, and presence. Built on the foundation of old-world Central American bloodlines, this fish combines a heavy, muscular frame with a glowing red diamond pattern that spreads across the entire body. Under proper lighting the scales shimmer between ruby, wine, and metallic crimson, while the face develops thick lips and a dominant profile worthy of its name.

Growing into the 10–12+ inch range, the Mammon is not a hyperactive attacker but a territorial ruler. It establishes ownership of space and holds it confidently rather than constantly chasing tank mates. Like many intelligent Central Americans, it watches everything — recognizing feeding routines, reacting to movement outside the tank, and often greeting its keeper at the glass.

As it matures, males develop stronger coloration, thicker finnage, and a more pronounced head structure, especially when displaying. Pairs may form and defend spawning sites with typical cichlid dedication, digging pits and guarding eggs with coordinated behavior.

This species thrives in larger aquariums with other robust fish that understand boundaries — large catfish, silver dollars, datnoids, or similarly tempered cichlids. Provide structure and open swimming space and the Mammon quickly becomes the visual anchor of the tank.