Description:
The Ellioti Cichlid is a medium sized freshwater cichlid very similar to a more commonly known fish known as the fire mouth cichlid but are thought to be less aggressive in nature. These cichlids typically reaching about 15 cm in length. This cichlid species exhibits beautiful vibrant colouration often with a base of blue, green, red and orange hues and have distinctive vertical stripes or spots in shades of florescent blue across it's body.
These cichlids are known for sifting through sand to hunt for food and create nesting sites, often moving sand through their gills in the process. To provide an optimal environment, it’s best to use a soft substrate such as sand that allows for easy sifting because of this be cautious with aquatics plants such as stem plants, as these cichlids may uproot them while foraging. We recommend sturdier plants, such as Anubias or java fern which can be attached to wood or rocks. These plants are ideal since they cannot be easily dislodged or uprooted.
Sexing these cichlids is usually straight forward, the male Ellioti cichlid has a larger, more robust body than the female and females often display a prominent black spot on their dorsal fins when they reach maturity, although this is not always the case. Additionally, females have shorter, more rounded dorsal fins that do not extend past their tail fins, while males possess longer, more pointed dorsal fins that reach beyond the tail fin.
Temperament:
Ellioti Cichlids are generally considered to be peaceful compared to many other cichlid species, making them suitable for community tanks. However, they can exhibit territorial behaviour, especially during breeding.
Males may be more aggressive than females, particularly when establishing dominance, claiming territory or during mating rituals.
Diet:
Ellioti Cichlids are omnivorous and benefit from a well-rounded, varied diet. In captivity, they thrive on high-quality foods such as Xtreme Community Crave Flakes, Xtreme Semi-Floating Pellets or Xtreme Wrigglers, which provide a strong nutritional foundation. This should be complemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms, along with some plant-based matter. A balanced diet is key to maintaining their health and enhancing their natural colouration.
Breeding Behaviour:
These cichlids are substrate/cave spawners, the male Ellioti puts on a clear, showy courtship display to attract a female. Their colours (especially the red on the belly and around the gill cover) intensify, they flare the gill covers, and they extend and quiver their fins to appear larger and more vivid. Males will also perform lateral and head-on displays, shimmying in front of the female, showing the eye-spot on the gill plate, and often leading the female to a chosen nesting site. These displays are sometimes accompanied by substrate work (cleaning a flat rock or digging a shallow pit) as they prepare a place to spawn.
Pairs will pick and thoroughly clean a flat surface inside a cave, under an overhang, on a rock or make a pit in the substrate where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilises them. Incubation is quick, eggs usually hatch in about 2–4 days, depending on temperature. After hatching, if they did not previously lay their eggs in a pit already, the parents commonly create a new pit in the substrate and move the newly hatched fry into it, this pit acts as a sheltered nursery while the fry grow. Both parents guard and tend the brood.
The female typically handles in-nest duties (cleaning and fanning), while the male defends the territory. Because they sometimes dig around rocks or beneath overhangs, it’s not unusual to find eggs placed under or beside a rock. Provide shelters (flat stones, tiles, broken terracotta pots) and clean stable water conditions.
Care Guide:
- Species – Thorichthys Ellioti
- Common Name – Ellioti Cichlid
- Origin – Central America, Mexico
- Temperament – Peaceful, territorial and semi-aggressive when breeding
- Diet – Omnivore
- Minimum Tank Requirement – 120 litres
- Tank Level – Feed on bottom - every level
- Care Level – Intermediate
- PH Range – 6.0 – 7.0
- Temperature – Tropical 24 – 30°c
- Breed Type – Egg Layer - flat surfaces - sand
- Size – Grows to approximately 15cm
- Sex – Un-sexed
Acclimation Guide:
- Float the Bag: Place the unopened bag in your tank and let it float for 15–20 minutes. This lets the water inside the bag slowly match your tank’s temperature.
- Turn Off the Lights: Keep the aquarium lights off during this process. It helps keep things calm and prevents sudden temperature changes.
- Add a Bit of Tank Water: After floating, carefully open the bag and pour out about half the water into a sink or bucket (not into your tank). Then, slowly add small amounts of your tank water into the bag over 15–20 minutes. This helps your fish adjust to the new water conditions.
- Gently Move the Fish: Use a fish net to gently move your fish from the bag into the tank. Try not to pour the bag water into your tank — this helps keep your aquarium clean and healthy.
- Watch and Wait: It’s normal for fish to hide or act a bit shy at first. Keep an eye on them, and avoid doing a water change for the first 24 hours to give them time to settle in.
- Feeding Behaviour: New fish may not eat any food for the first 12-24 hours whilst it is settling into its new environment, please allow some time before feeding as the food may go to waste.
For more detailed steps and tips, feel free to visit our Acclimation Guide in our Education tab to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your new fish.
Ellioti Cichlid
Ellioti Cichlid
Size Guide
Adult size 15cm
Selected size —
Low stock: 1 left
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Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
✅ Healthy Fish Guarantee - All orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with DOA (Dead On Arrival) policies in place for peace of mind.
🚚 $30 flat-rate shipping - Arrives within 1-4 business days, Free shipping on fish for orders over $150.
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Tank Requirements - Quick Overview
Tank Requirements - Quick Overview
If your aquarium is new, it may not be fully cycled yet. Newly set up tanks benefit from being fully cycled before adding fish, this process helps your new fish stay happy and healthy. Depending on your tank size, cycling can take up to 4–6 weeks or even longer, but there are ways to speed up this process to just a few days! If your tank has already been running for a while, you’re already good to go! Not sure what cycling means? Check out our guide on The Nitrogen Cycle for an easy explanation on what it is, and why it is important for your aquarium to thrive.
🐟 Want expert tips for your aquarium? Beginners can start with How to set up your aquarium, while everyone can check out Aquarium Maintenece & Care for ongoing tank tips!
How We Package & Ship Your Fish - Video
How We Package & Ship Your Fish - Video
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Tank Mate Compatibility
✅ Compatible With
- Robust Livebearers (Dither Fish) — Swordtails and Platies are active in the upper levels, encouraging Ellioti to come out of hiding and feel more secure
- Mid-Water Shoaling Fish — Large Tetras (Buenos Aires, Congo) and Rainbowfish are fast enough to hold their own and make excellent companions
- Other Calm Cichlids — Severums, Blue Acaras, and other Thorichthys species can coexist well in a suitably sized tank
- Armoured Bottom Dwellers — Bristlenose Plecos and other armoured suckermouth catfish are tough enough to handle occasional pestering from territorial Ellioti
- Hardy Plants — Java Fern, Anubias, and Vallisneria hold up well. Ellioti sift the substrate but are not typically destructive to plants
❌ Avoid or Use Caution
- Small or Slow-Moving Fish — Small Tetras (Neon, Cardinal) and small Rasboras will likely be eaten as Ellioti mature. Stick to larger, faster species
- Delicate Corydoras — Too sensitive to the territorial behaviour of breeding Ellioti and prefer softer water conditions. Some hardier Corydoras species may be okay with caution
- Aggressive Cichlids — Convict Cichlids, Jack Dempseys, and Jaguar Cichlids will bully or injure the comparatively gentle Ellioti
- Shrimp and Small Invertebrates — Anything small enough to fit in their mouth will be considered food. Avoid keeping shrimp or nano invertebrates with Ellioti
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ellioti Cichlids suitable for beginners?
Ellioti Cichlids are rated as an intermediate level fish and are best suited to fish keepers with some prior experience. They have specific substrate requirements, can become territorial during breeding, and require a larger tank to thrive. That said, they are considered one of the more peaceful cichlid species and are a great next step for hobbyists looking to move into keeping cichlids for the first time.
Can I keep Ellioti Cichlids with other fish?
Yes, with some consideration. Ellioti Cichlids work well as a single centrepiece fish in a community tank, or can be kept in pairs or groups of 5 to 6 in a more spacious setup. They tend to be more territorial towards their own species than towards other fish, so if keeping multiples, ensure the tank is large enough to provide adequate territory for each fish. During breeding, pairs will become territorial towards anything in the tank, so tank mate selection and space are important factors to consider.
What substrate is best for Ellioti Cichlids?
Sand is strongly recommended. Ellioti Cichlids are natural sifters and will regularly move sand through their gills while foraging and creating nesting sites. A soft, fine substrate allows them to express this natural behaviour without risk of injury. Avoid coarse gravel, as it can damage their gills during sifting.
Can I keep live plants with Ellioti Cichlids?
Yes, but plant selection is important. Ellioti Cichlids will uproot stem plants and other rooted plants while foraging and digging. Sturdier plants such as Anubias Nana and Java Fern are ideal, as they can be attached directly to rocks or driftwood and cannot be easily dislodged. Avoid delicate or rooted stem plants as they are unlikely to survive in a tank with active diggers.
How many Ellioti Cichlids can I keep together?
Ellioti Cichlids can be kept as a single centrepiece fish, in a pair, or in a group of 5 to 6 in a spacious tank. Keeping them in odd numbers within a group can help distribute aggression. Avoid keeping just two or three together outside of a bonded pair, as this can result in one fish being singled out and harassed. A 120 litre minimum is recommended, with more space required for groups.
Do Ellioti Cichlids need a heater?
Yes. Ellioti Cichlids are a tropical species requiring a stable water temperature of 24–30°C. A reliable heater and thermometer are essential to maintain consistent conditions and support their health, colouration, and breeding activity.
What do Ellioti Cichlids eat?
Ellioti Cichlids are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet. High-quality foods such as Xtreme Community Crave Flakes, Xtreme Semi-Floating Pellets, or Xtreme Wrigglers make an excellent nutritional foundation. Supplement regularly with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms, along with some plant-based matter. A balanced and varied diet is key to maintaining their health and enhancing their natural colouration.
What size tank do Ellioti Cichlids need?
A minimum of 120 litres is recommended for a single Ellioti Cichlid or a bonded pair. For groups of 5 to 6, a significantly larger tank is required to provide adequate territory and reduce aggression. Tank footprint (length and width) is more important than height, as these fish are active swimmers that use all levels of the tank.
Will my Ellioti Cichlid rearrange my tank?
Almost certainly yes. Ellioti Cichlids are enthusiastic diggers and will regularly move sand, shift decorations, and rearrange their environment, particularly when preparing to breed. This is completely normal behaviour. Secure any rocks or heavy decorations to prevent them from being undermined and toppling over, and expect your aquascape to look a little different from time to time.
Do Ellioti Cichlids need a lid on my aquarium?
Yes, a secure lid is recommended. Like most cichlids, Ellioti Cichlids can jump, particularly if startled or if water quality drops. A well-fitted lid keeps them safe and also helps maintain a stable water temperature by reducing evaporation.
A Note on Our Fish:
Fish may vary slightly in colour, size, and pattern from those pictured or shown in images and videos. This is natural across all fish, whether bred in-house, locally sourced, or imported, as individual variation is part of what makes each fish unique!
Every fish is quality checked for health, behaviour, and appearance before leaving our fish room. Fish that are dispatched as juveniles will grow into their adult size and colouration over time with a good balanced diet and proper care.
