Jaguar Guapote (Parachromis managuensis) and Amphilophus spp. were assessed for effects of temperature on standard metabolic rate (SMR) and lower dissolved oxygen tolerance (LDOT), efficacy of gastric lavage for diet analysis, and diet in Puerto Rico reservoirs. Fish were acclimated to 22°C, 28°C, and 34°C and SMR and LDOT were measured using intermittent respirometers. Jaguar Guapote acclimated to 34°C had the greatest SMR, with 22°C and 28°C having similar SMR values. Amphilophus spp. acclimated to 28°C were similar to fish acclimated at 22°C and 34°C. Fish were resilient to high temperatures, losing equilibrium more rapidly at the coldest temperature, 22°C. Gastric lavage had low to moderate efficacy in extracting diet from cichlids. Diet in reservoirs differed among all species but overlap was present, suggesting cichlids in Puerto Rico may impact sportfish populations. These findings are important for making informed management decisions.