Considered a synonym of Amphilophus trimaculatus (Günther, 1867)
- Miller, Robert Rush. 1966. "Geographical distribution of Central American freshwater fishes". Copeia. 1966(4):773-802 (ffm01105) (abstract)
Original description as Cichlasoma cajali:
- Alvarez, J. & T. Gutierrez. 1953. "Nuevo Cichlasoma del grupo Parapetenia procedente de Acapulco, Gro. (Pisc. Cichlidae)". Ciencia. 232-234 (ffm01499) (abstract)