CENTRAL AMERICAN CICHLIDS.
Order Perciformes
Family Cichlidae
Subfamily ( Cichlasomatinae )
Continued…
Genus Thorichthys.
— Thorichthys helleri [Steindachner, 1864] — Heller’s Cichlid. Synonyms: Cichlasoma, Heros helleri; Cichlasoma champotone; Thorichthys champotonis. (Engl. Heller’s Cichlid, Buntbarsch, Yellow cichlid). Tacotalpa and Mezcalapa river basins, Atlantic slope of Mexico. 8-12 cm.
Coloration is olive-gray or brownish-blue, in well-colored specimens with a golden and blue sheen, with small emerald sparkles on the head, body, and fins. Dark vertical bars may appear on the body. There is a black spot on the gill covers. The number of bars increases up to eight when excited (usually there are five), and the fins acquire an orange tint. The male is distinguished by a larger size, brighter coloration, and a higher body. Juveniles are olive-gray with five vertical bars on the body.
By nature, they are rather gentle creatures. In appearance and behavior, they resemble the long-known masked cichlasomas (T. meeki), but their expandable throat fold is orange rather than red, with dark edges. Substrate of fine gravel, round stones, individual driftwood, and rough plants, used both as shelters for territory delimitation and for spawning sites. Even larger fish are driven away from their territory.
Not a fish for beginner aquarists. Adult Thorichthys are prone to toxicosis (especially when fed poor-quality tubifex). They reach sexual maturity at 10-16 months. Spawning can take place in a community aquarium, but a pair needs at least 50 liters. The parents lay eggs in neat rows, usually on an open substrate. Both parents guard the clutch. They live up to 6 years. dH 20-25; pH 7.5-8.5; T 22-26°C.
— Thorichthys pasionis [Rivas, 1962] — Blackgullet Cichlid. Synonyms: Cichlasoma pasione, pasionis. (Engl. Blackgullet Cichlid, Pasionis Cichlid). Mexico, Guatemala, Grijalva, Usumacinta, Candelaria rivers. Male up to 15 cm, female up to 12 cm. The largest representative of the genus Thorichthys.
Coloration is gray-yellow with blue. Depending on the fish’s condition and environmental parameters, wide dark vertical bars and/or a longitudinal stripe and black spots on the gill cover, middle of the body, and caudal peduncle may appear. The tips of the dorsal and anal fins, as well as the outer rays of the caudal fin, are elongated into filaments. When excited, males, much like Thorichthys meeki, spectacularly flare their gill covers, displaying a formidable yellow “mask”. The male is distinguished by a larger size, brighter coloration, and a higher body.
Not a very active fish and prefers to move slowly. It is best kept in a group of at least eight individuals, preferably of different sizes. In this case, they tend to establish small territories measuring 30 x 30 cm. To achieve this, the aquarium space should be divided using visual obstacles. Male rivalry consists of protruding the gill covers forward and expanding the throat pouches (which turn black) to intimidate each other. Small fish will be eaten.
Substrate of a thin layer of sand, shelters in the form of flower pots, as well as individual driftwood and stones. Temperatures below 22°C for a prolonged period lead to stress, loss of appetite, and eventually disease and death. They are especially fond of frozen bloodworms, but readily eat raw shrimp, mollusks, marine fish, oatmeal, and some vegetables such as lettuce, as well as flakes and pellets. In the aquarium, this fish searches for a vertical surface or crevice for spawning. The eggs are mouthbrooded by the female. The male stays close to the fry, ready to ward off potential predators at a distance. pH 7.5-8.5; dH 9°; T 24-28°C.
— Thorichthys socolofi [Miller & Taylor, 1984] — Chiapas Cichlid. Synonyms: Cichlasoma, Herichthys socolofi. (Engl. Chiapas Cichlid). Southern Mexico, Grijalva River basin. 10-12 cm. Coloration is olive-gray with small blue sparkles all over the body. Depending on the fish’s condition and environmental parameters, wide dark vertical bars and/or a longitudinal stripe and black spots on the gill cover, middle of the body, and caudal peduncle may appear. Belly, throat, and lower part of the gill covers are gray-orange. The male is distinguished by a larger size, brighter coloration, and a higher body.
Suitable for keeping in a community aquarium, but aggressively defends its spawning territory during the breeding period. Aquarium with shelters made of stones, driftwood, and vegetation, with open areas between plants so the fish can dig. This peaceful species is little known among aquarists because it is very sensitive to water impurities. For successful maintenance, clean and clear water must be provided. Water hardness and pH are not critical, but overall it is best to maintain a neutral to slightly alkaline environment. They mature at 10 months. dH 20°; dKH 14-24°; pH above 8.5; T 21-24°C.
Identification: Genus Thorichthys — Thorichthys helleri, pasionis, socolofi.
Cichlasoma hybr. “Flower Ногn”.
Thorichthys ellioti, Thorichthys meeki. 
