Heller's Cichlid Care Guide
Thorichthys helleri (yellow cichlid) is a Mexican cichlid of the Coatzacoalcos-Usumacinta drainages, a firemouth relative.
Overview
Thorichthys helleri, the yellow cichlid, is a Central American cichlid of the family Cichlidae. According to FishBase it occurs on the Atlantic slope from the Coatzacoalcos River to the Usumacinta River drainage in Mexico. It is a firemouth relative within the genus Thorichthys.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Thorichthys
- Scientific name: Thorichthys helleri (Steindachner, 1864)
- Common name: Yellow cichlid (FishBase)
Habitat
FishBase places the species in lower and middle river valleys of the Coatzacoalcos-Usumacinta system. 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 14.5 cm SL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore (FishBase trophic level 3.3). Members of the genus sift sandy substrate for small invertebrates and organic matter; a varied prepared and frozen diet suits it in the aquarium.
Compatibility
Thorichthys helleri is semi-aggressive and occupies the middle water column. Suitable tank mates include convict cichlids, bristlenose plecos and silver dollars; small tetras and overly aggressive cichlids are best avoided.
Breeding
The species is a substrate spawner; FishBase notes that detailed reproductive data are limited. As in related Thorichthys, both parents typically guard eggs and fry on a cleaned hard surface.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2018).