🐟 Spot Cheek Cichlid – (Thorichthys ellioti)

Peaceful, Colorful Central American Cichlid for Sale

The Spot Cheek Cichlid (Thorichthys ellioti) is a beautiful, moderately sized cichlid native to rivers and lagoons in Mexico and Central America. Known for its vibrant metallic blues, reds, and golds, and its signature iridescent cheek spot, this species offers both stunning coloration and peaceful temperament. Often compared to its close relative, the Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki), the Ellioti is more docile and exhibits even more brilliant hues—making it ideal for community setups or planted aquariums.

🔎 Quick Facts – Spot Cheek Cichlid (Thorichthys ellioti)

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🌿 Generally Peaceful: Calm compared to many Central American cichlids.
• 💞 Pairs Form Bonds: Excellent parental care during breeding.
• ⚔️ Territorial During Spawning: Defends nesting sites but rarely causes harm.
• 🐠 Social Personality: Active swimmer that interacts with tankmates.

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons (larger for groups).
• 🌿 Substrate & Décor: Sand or fine gravel preferred; add rocks, caves, and driftwood for shelter.
• 💧 Filtration: Moderate to strong; clean, oxygen-rich water helps enhance color.
• 💡 Lighting: Moderate lighting brings out iridescent blue and red highlights.
• 🌱 Plants: Safe with most plants; may occasionally dig during breeding.

💧 Water Parameters – Spot Cheek Cichlid Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 7.0–8.0
• 💧 Hardness: 8–15 dGH
• 🌊 Water Flow: Moderate with good surface agitation

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous Cichlid

• 🐟 Staple Foods: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.
• 🦐 Supplements: Frozen or live brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
• 🌽 Vegetable Matter: Include spirulina flakes or blanched spinach for balance.
• 🚫 Avoid: Overfeeding or fatty foods—maintain lean diet for optimal color.

🐠 Feeding Recommendation

At Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC, we use and recommend premium fish foods designed to boost color, vitality, and immune health:

• 🪱 Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Formula
• 🪱 Hikari Cichlid Gold (Medium Pellets)
• 🦐 Hikari Frozen Bloodworms

✨ By purchasing through our links, you help support our mission to provide top-quality fish care and responsibly bred species for aquarium enthusiasts.

✨ Highlight

The Spot Cheek Cichlid (Thorichthys ellioti) brings peaceful energy and radiant color to any aquarium. With its shimmering metallic cheeks, calm disposition, and engaging behavior, it’s a perfect choice for hobbyists who love beauty without aggression.