Ellioti Cichlid

Ellioti Cichlid (Thorichthys ellioti)

The Ellioti Cichlid, also known as the Firemouth Cichlid’s peaceful cousin, is a stunning freshwater fish native to Central America. These vibrant and underrated cichlids are a captivating addition to the right aquarium.

Scientific Name: Thorichthys ellioti

Care Information

• Water Quality: Prefers clean, well-maintained water. Regular water changes are essential.
• pH Level: Neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0 – 8.0)
• GH Level: Up to 18 dGH
• KH Level: Provides some buffering capacity, so a moderate KH is recommended.
• Feeding: Omnivorous. Offer a varied diet of high-quality flake food, pellets, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp.
• Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish of similar size. Avoid small fish that could be seen as prey.

Habitat

• Substrates and Tank Decorations: Fine, soft sand substrate is ideal as they sift for food. Driftwood, rocks, and leaf litter provide hiding places and a natural environment.
• Suitable Plants: Sturdy plants like Anubias and Java Ferns can be added. They may dig up some plants, so choose those that can be easily re-rooted.

Breeding

• Sexing: Males are typically larger and more colorful than females. Females may have a dark blotch on the dorsal fin, which is absent in males.
• Breeding: Can be challenging to breed in captivity. They require a well-established tank with caves or flat rocks for spawning.

Additional Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
• Longevity: 3-7 years with proper care
• Behavior: Generally peaceful, but territorial when breeding. They establish dominance through displays rather than aggression.

Things to Consider Before Buying

• Ellioti Cichlids require an established tank with good water quality.
• They can be sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters.
• The tank should have plenty of hiding places for tank mates.

General Information

Ellioti Cichlids are known for their beautiful coloration, with shimmering blue spots and reddish hues.

Fun Fact

Ellioti Cichlids are substrate sifters, using their mouths to turn over sand in search of food scraps and invertebrates.