Ellioti Cichlid (Thorichthys ellioti) Care Guide
Thorichthys ellioti is a small Mexican cichlid of the Papaloapán region, closely related to the firemouth and treated as a synonym of Thorichthys maculipinnis.
Overview
Thorichthys ellioti is a small Central American cichlid related to the firemouth, showing iridescent blue spotting and red ventral coloration. In current taxonomy the name Heros maculipinnis (now Thorichthys maculipinnis) has priority, and T. ellioti is treated as a synonym, though the name T. ellioti remains in common use. FishBase records a maximum standard length of about 15 cm for T. maculipinnis.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Thorichthys
- Scientific name: Thorichthys ellioti
- Senior synonym: Thorichthys maculipinnis (Steindachner, 1864)
Habitat
The species occurs in the lowlands of the Atlantic slope of Mexico, from the Actopan River south to the Papaloapán drainage in Veracruz and Oaxaca. It is typically found in groups over sandy substrates in the middle and lower reaches of clear rivers, in shallow zones with driftwood, leaf litter and dense riparian vegetation. FishBase lists temperatures of 25-28 °C.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
It is omnivorous (FishBase trophic level about 3.3), sifting through the substrate for edible items and expelling inedible material through the gills. In the aquarium it accepts a variety of live, frozen and quality dried foods.
Compatibility
It is a semi-aggressive cichlid, generally less aggressive than the firemouth, and can be kept with robust community species in a planted tank. Very small tetras and overly aggressive cichlids are best avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (as Thorichthys maculipinnis): Least Concern (assessed 2018).