Socolof's Cichlid Care Guide
Thorichthys socolofi (Chiapas cichlid) is a Mexican cichlid of the Grijalva River basin, closely related to the firemouth.
Overview
Thorichthys socolofi, the Chiapas cichlid, is a Central American cichlid of the family Cichlidae. According to FishBase it occurs on the Atlantic slope in the Grijalva River basin of Mexico. The species name honours the naturalist and aquarium fish exporter Ross B. Socolof (1925-2009).
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Thorichthys
- Scientific name: Thorichthys socolofi (Miller & Taylor, 1984)
- Common name: Chiapas cichlid (FishBase)
Habitat
FishBase records adults from faster-flowing water in the middle and upper reaches of the Grijalva basin. 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). Like its relatives it sifts sand for small invertebrates and organic matter; a varied prepared and frozen diet suits it in the aquarium.
Compatibility
Thorichthys socolofi 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 and migration data remain undetermined. Related Thorichthys form pairs and guard eggs and fry biparentally.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2018).