Thorichthys callolepis Care Guide
Thorichthys callolepis is a Mexican cichlid of the Coatzacoalcos drainage, a less-traded relative of the firemouth.
Overview
Thorichthys callolepis is a Central American cichlid of the family Cichlidae, known by the common name San Domingo cichlid. According to FishBase it occurs on the Atlantic slope in the Coatzacoalcos River drainage of Mexico. It is a less commonly traded member of the firemouth genus Thorichthys.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Thorichthys
- Scientific name: Thorichthys callolepis (Regan, 1904)
- Common name: San Domingo cichlid (FishBase)
Habitat
FishBase records the species over rocky substrates in faster-flowing upper river sections and headwaters of the Coatzacoalcos drainage. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic fish of tropical waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (about 53 gal)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Maximum length: about 14 cm SL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore (FishBase trophic level 3.3), in line with other members of the genus that sift sand for small invertebrates and organic matter. A varied diet of prepared and frozen foods suits it in the aquarium.
Compatibility
Thorichthys callolepis is semi-aggressive and occupies the middle water column. Suitable tank mates include convict cichlids, bristlenose plecos and silver dollars, while small tetras and overly aggressive cichlids are best avoided.
Breeding
Like its relatives the species is a substrate spawner; FishBase notes that detailed migration and reproductive data remain undetermined.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2018).