Ellioti Cichlid
Thorichthys ellioti
Cichlidae
About
The ellioti cichlid is a colourful Central American cichlid from the Papaloapan river basin on the Atlantic slope of Mexico, closely related to the firemouth and often called the yellow firemouth. Growing to around 12-15 cm, it wears iridescent blue speckling over a warm tan body with a bold cheek spot and red-flushed throat. It is notably calmer than most Central Americans, bluffing and displaying far more than it fights, though a breeding pair will defend a modest territory.
Care
Keep a pair in a tank at least 100 cm long over fine, soft sand, with rockwork and wood for cover and neutral to hard, alkaline water. Relatively peaceful for a cichlid but territorial when spawning, so give tankmates space and avoid tiny or slow companions.
Diet
Omnivore that sifts sand for small invertebrates and organic matter. Feed sinking cichlid pellets plus frozen krill, mysis and brine shrimp, with occasional greens; soft sand lets it forage naturally.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (112)
Avoid (9)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.