Heller's Cichlid - Thorichthys helleri

Species name: Thorichthys helleri

Synonym: Astronotus helleri; Cichlasoma champotone; Cichlasoma champotonis; Cichlasoma helleri; Herichthys helleri; Heros helleri

Common name: Heller's cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Maximum size: 18 cm / 7 inches

Environment: Freshwater

Origin: The main Thorichthys helleri (Heller's cichlid) population is found in Mexico

Temperament: Aggressive

Company: Thorichthys helleri (Heller's cichlid) is suitable for a cichlid community aquarium.

Water parameters: Temperature 22-25°C / 72-76°F; pH 7.2 – 8.0

Aquarium setup: Thorichthys helleri (Heller's cichlid) is best kept in a planted aquarium. Plant the aquarium using hardy plants. This species likes to dig and it is therefore recommendable to place stones around the plants to prevent the Thorichthys helleri (Heller's cichlid) from digging them up. Use rocks and bogwood to create caves and hiding places for the fish.

Feeding: Thorichthys helleri (Heller's cichlid) can usually be trained to accept pellets.

Breeding: Thorichthys helleri (Heller's cichlid) is a substrate breeder that reaches sexual maturity late. The hardest part in breeding Thorichthys helleri (Heller's cichlid) is to get a pair to establish. They lay their eggs on a flat surface or more often in a cave. The female guards the egg and fry while the male keeps other fishes out of their territory. They are usually good parents. Feed the fry newly hatched Brine shrimp.

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