What are your favorite Thorichthys species and why?

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You have probably noticed that even in the smallest centotes, these cichlids share thousands of gallons.
In small centotes where even only 2 cichlids share a few thousand gallons, they get quite torn up, where Mayaheros uropthamus and Roco (JDs)
are crammed together.
whereas in millions of gallons and only JDs dominate the cichlid habitat with mostly mollies, they do much better.

Thorichthys are similar, in that they often to do best as a single cichlid species shoal, with non-cichlids are tankmates ( especally if space is limited).
I don't have a fav, but I would never keep more than a group of a single species, per 6 ft tank.
 
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SCM_2123 said:
Let's hear it. Which of the Thorichthys species are your favorite? I've found quite a bit of information on firemouths but was on Imperial Tropicals and saw some other Thorichthys species. In doing some research I have found that there are quite a few species. I'm curious which are your favorites and why?
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My Favorite is T meeki. I currently have groups of T. meeki, T maculipinnis, & T. helleri (Chacamax). Earlier this year I had 5 different Thorichthys groups in 5 tanks, including groups of T. pasionis and T. aureus (Izabal or Yzabal (sp?)).

I like T. meeki the best based on their appearance and activity.. Ime they are more feisty and "tougher" than the other Thorichthys I've kept. But honestly, I love all Thorichthys.. Thorichthys and Cribroheros are among the only CA cichlids I've kept that coexist peacefully in 6 foot tanks, even when spawning. I've had multiple pairs of T. meeki spawn in the same tank a few times with no issues.. So far I've bred and raised T. meeki, T. maculipinnis & T. helleri.

If I had to rank the Thorichthys I've kept, I would rank as follows:

1) T. meeki (10 for Appearance, 10 for Activity, 10 for Robustness)
2) T. aureus (10 for Appearance, 9 for Activity, 7 for Robustness)
3) T. helleri (8 for Appearance, 9 for Activity, 9 for Robustness)
4) T. maculipinnis (8 for Appearance, 7 for Activity, 8 for Robustness)
5) T. pasionis (7 for Appearance, 6 for Activity, 7 for Robustness)

I typically keep Thorichthys is 6 foot tanks in groups of 8 - 12 w/ bigger more robust species (typically Viejas) and occasionally in 4 foot species tanks or w/ small groups of Cryptoheros / Amtitlania when growing out. Unfortunately, ime T. aureus and T. pasionis did not work out well w/ more robust species in 6 foot tanks...

I'm debating getting another group of T. aureus now (almost pulled the trigger this weekend), but may opt for a different type of CA for the sake of some variety in my fishroom.. I really want some Chuco microphthalmos again or C. godmani, so I may hold off on the T. aureus purchase.

I currently have T. callolepis and T. panchovillai on my wish list, but have not seen them available in years..

You can't go wrong w/ any Thoricthys imho.. My ratings are all subjective...
 
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bkfamus said:
My Favorite is T meeki. I currently have groups of T. meeki, T maculipinnis, & T. helleri (Chacamax). Earlier this year I had 5 different Thorichthys groups in 5 tanks, including groups of T. pasionis and T. aureus (Izabal or Yzabal (sp?)).

I like T. meeki the best based on their appearance and activity.. Ime they are more feisty and "tougher" than the other Thorichthys I've kept. But honestly, I love all Thorichthys.. Thorichthys and Cribroheros are among the only CA cichlids I've kept that coexist peacefully in 6 foot tanks, even when spawning. I've had multiple pairs of T. meeki spawn in the same tank a few times with no issues.. So far I've bred and raised T. meeki, T. maculipinnis & T. helleri.

If I had to rank the Thorichthys I've kept, I would rank as follows:

1) T. meeki (10 for Appearance, 10 for Activity, 10 for Robustness)
2) T. aureus (10 for Appearance, 9 for Activity, 7 for Robustness)
3) T. helleri (8 for Appearance, 9 for Activity, 9 for Robustness)
4) T. maculipinnis (8 for Appearance, 7 for Activity, 8 for Robustness)
5) T. pasionis (7 for Appearance, 6 for Activity, 7 for Robustness)

I typically keep Thorichthys is 6 foot tanks in groups of 8 - 12 w/ bigger more robust species (typically Viejas) and occasionally in 4 foot species tanks or w/ small groups of Cryptoheros / Amtitlania when growing out. Unfortunately, ime T. aureus and T. pasionis did not work out well w/ more robust species in 6 foot tanks...

I'm debating getting another group of T. aureus now (almost pulled the trigger this weekend), but may opt for a different type of CA for the sake of some variety in my fishroom.. I really want some Chuco microphthalmos again or C. godmani, so I may hold off on the T. aureus purchase.

I currently have T. callolepis and T. panchovillai on my wish list, but have not seen them available in years..

You can't go wrong w/ any Thoricthys imho.. My ratings are all subjective...
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It's too bad they're difficult to sex. A mixed single gender tank with multiple species would look neat. Provided it didn't turn into a bloodbath.
 
SCM_2123 said:
It's too bad they're difficult to sex. A mixed single gender tank with multiple species would look neat. Provided it didn't turn into a bloodbath.
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Personally, I enjoy the breeding activity so wouldn't want all males of different Thorichthys species in one tank.. I've had 2 pairs of meeki spawn a day apart and raise fry side by side in a 210 w/ no issues other than harmless flaring.. I think all males together may not be as active w/ no reason to flare w/ nothing to defend, but I've got no experience w/ all male thorichthys tank, so just a guess..
 
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bkfamus said:
Personally, I enjoy the breeding activity so wouldn't want all males of different Thorichthys species in one tank.. I've had 2 pairs of meeki spawn a day apart and raise fry side by side in a 210 w/ no issues other than harmless flaring.. I think all males together may not be as active w/ no reason to flare w/ nothing to defend, but I've got no experience w/ all male thorichthys tank, so just a guess..
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I seriously doubt I'd be able to pull this off even if I wanted to.
 
Stanzzzz7 said:
T,Helleri are my favourite shown below. They are all great fish though.
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For the record, I never heard of any Thorichthys before seeing Stanzzzz7 Stanzzzz7 T. helleri aquarium here years back.. I'd always wanted Firemouths when I moved from years of keeping Apistogramma to larger cichlids, but had no clue their scientific name.. Since seeing Stanzzzz7 Stanzzzz7 groups of T. helleri, T. aureus and of course T. meeki, I've become addicted to all Thorichthys.. 😉
 
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bkfamus said:
For the record, I never heard of any Thorichthys before seeing Stanzzzz7 Stanzzzz7 T. helleri aquarium here years back.. I'd always wanted Firemouths when I moved from years of keeping Apistogramma to larger cichlids, but had no clue their scientific name.. Since seeing Stanzzzz7 Stanzzzz7 groups of T. helleri, T. aureus and of course T. meeki, I've become addicted to all Thorichthys.. 😉
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Much worse things to be addicted to.
I was obsessed with them for years and I have had quite a break from keeping them.
Must admit I’m starting to get a little bored of my current set up ( discus) so I’m considering another thorichthys tank.
 
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