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Aureum Cichlid
Thorichthys aureum
📍 Central America
The Aureum Cichlid (Thorichthys aureum) is a colorful Central American cichlid known for its striking iridescent blue-green scales and vibrant orange-red coloration on the belly. It is closely related to the Firemouth Cichlid and shares similar behaviors, making it a popular choice among cichlid enthusiasts. This species is moderately hardy and can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium with appropriate tankmates.
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Care Guide
Diet
The Aureum Cichlid is an omnivore that thrives on a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as a staple. Supplement regularly with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and earthworms to enhance coloration and health. Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts, and occasionally offer blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
Behavior
The Aureum Cichlid is a moderately active fish that spends most of its time in the middle and lower regions of the aquarium. It can be territorial, especially during breeding, and may display threat postures by flaring its gill covers to intimidate rivals. Generally peaceful toward dissimilar species but may show aggression toward other cichlids of similar size or appearance.
Breeding
Aureum Cichlids are open substrate spawners that form monogamous pairs and exhibit strong parental care. Breeding is triggered by slightly warmer temperatures (around 27-28°C) and a flat rock or smooth substrate for egg deposition. Both parents guard the eggs and fry aggressively, so tankmates should be chosen carefully during this period.
Tank Mates
Close relative with similar temperament; territorial conflicts possible, especially during breeding
Similar size and water requirements; generally compatible in a spacious tank
Compatible temperament and water parameters; both are semi-aggressive cichlids that coexist well
Peaceful bottom dweller that helps with algae control and does not compete with cichlids
Shares similar Central American origins and water parameters; manageable temperament
Peaceful cichlid that generally avoids conflict with semi-aggressive species in a larger tank
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
Small white spots resembling grains of salt on the body and fins, flashing against surfaces, lethargy
Raise water temperature to 30°C gradually, treat with ich medication containing malachite green or formalin, perform frequent water changes
Hole-in-the-Head Disease (HITH)
Pitting or erosion on the head and lateral line, loss of appetite, mucus trails from lesions
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, reduce activated carbon use, treat with metronidazole and ensure a varied nutritious diet
Bacterial Infection (Fin Rot)
Frayed or disintegrating fins, reddening at fin edges, lethargy and loss of appetite
Improve water quality, treat with antibacterial medication such as kanamycin or erythromycin, isolate affected fish if necessary
Bloat (Malawi Bloat / Dropsy)
Swollen abdomen, raised scales (pinecone appearance), lethargy, loss of appetite
Isolate affected fish, treat with metronidazole and Epsom salt baths, improve diet and water quality; prognosis is poor if scales are raised
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – accepts high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen/live foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter
- lifespan
- 8-10 years
- max size
- 15 cm (6 in)
- tank size
- 40 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 7.0-8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 8-15 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)