Scientific name: Thorichthys Eliotti

Common name: Eliotti

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 15 cm (5.12 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 7.7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 17°N (89.29 - 303.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Central America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Feeding Blue flash should not be a problem, they will accept quality flake or pellets but they will require treats of live or frozen foods in the form of blood worms or brine shrimp.

Origin

Central America; Blue flash are to be found in Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.

Sexing

Males tend to be more brightly coloured with extended dorsal and anal fins.

Breeding

The eggs will be laid on a flat stone or in an upturned plant pot and the female will tend the eggs. The male will defend the territory and after 3 days the fry should hatch out. The fry should be free swimming a few days later and at this stage can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Thorichthys aureus is 5-8 years.

Short description

Thorichthys aureus demand high water quality so excellent filtration coupled with regular water changes is a must. They are a shy fish that prefer to be kept in groups with rocks or wood added to the tank so that they can mark territories.