Ellioti Cichlid (5-7cm)

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Thorichthys maculipinnis
• Common Name: Ellioti Cichlid (also known as Spotted Firemouth)
• Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 8–10 years with proper care
• Habitat:
  • Native to rivers and lakes in Central America, especially Mexico and Guatemala
  • Prefers slow-moving or still freshwater, often with sandy or muddy bottoms

  • Found in areas with rocks, driftwood, and aquatic vegetation

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a single fish
  50+ gallons for pairs or community setups
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 6.5–8.0
• Water Hardness: 8–15 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, especially during breeding
  Can be housed with other peaceful to moderately aggressive cichlids
  Avoid small fish that could be bullied or eaten

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous
• Ideal diet includes:
  • High-quality cichlid pellets
  • Flake food
  • Frozen/live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

  • Occasional vegetables: blanched spinach, peas, or zucchini

Breeding & Spawning

• Biparental substrate spawners
• Form pairs and breed on flat surfaces like rocks or smooth wood
• Female lays eggs; both parents guard eggs and fry
• Eggs hatch in about 3 days, fry are free-swimming after 5–7 days

• Can be aggressive when protecting their young

Appearance

• Elegant body with a pearlescent golden base color
• Covered in blue-green iridescent spots, especially on the flanks
• Red to orange accents on the gill plates, fins, and belly

• Flowing dorsal and anal fins with a black blotch near the tail base

Distinctive Features

• Smaller and less aggressive than other Central American cichlids
• Eye-catching coloration makes them a popular choice for display tanks
• Known for their active personality and parenting behaviors

• Sometimes confused with the Firemouth Cichlid, but Ellioti has more spotting and distinct fin markings