Thorichthys Questions...

[Mellis67]

Does anybody know the differences in behavior or care from a Thorichthys Meeki (Firemouth) and a Thorichthys Callolepis? Are the care and compatibility the same or am I way off base? I'm asking because I am looking at a cookie cutter tank stocking plan and I would like to substiture one for the other..

 

[Mellis67]

I just realized I should post the stocking plan I found:

• Thorichthys callolepis - 4
• Aequidens pulcher - 2
• Capoeta tetrazona "Tiger barb" - 6
• Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 2
This is for a 40 gallon tank... Thanks

 

[Davo86]

The average size is a little higher at 7" but overall they can be treated the same as T.Meeki

Have to say that wouldn't be my preferred stocking for a 40G, Its stocked on the heavy side IMO and 3 pairs of good sized cichlids is bound to cause problems sooner or later,

If it was me, my stocking would be nearer the following, with maybe one or two other carefully selected tankmates

- Thorichthys callolepis - 2
• Aequidens pulcher - 1
• Capoeta tetrazona "Tiger barb" - 12
• Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 2

 

[Mellis67]

I have been doing some thinking and the Blue Acara gets awfully big would Cryptoheros nanoluteus work instead possibly a pair?

 

[Davo86]

In captivity both the Acaras and T.callolepis are likely to reach little over 6" although bigger is possible (but unlikely)

Cryptoheros nanoluteus are neither hardy nor aggressive but will breed fairly easily, not sure if breeding is something i would want in a tank of this size though? well not more than one breeding pair anyway.

Another question i have is have you ever come across Cryptoheros nanoluteus or Thorichthys Callolepis? both species are far from common

 

[Mellis67]

I was actually thinking of using T. Meek and the nanos... I have a source for the nanos when I am ready

 

[Mellis67]

This is what I've been considering as of late:

1 T. Meeki
2 Herotilapia Multispinosa
2 Cryptoheros Nanoleutus
8 Lemon Tetras
6 Hatchetfish

Thoughts?? Critique? Suggestions? Alterations??

 

[hamfist]

This is what I've been considering as of late:

1 T. Meeki
2 Herotilapia Multispinosa
2 Cryptoheros Nanoleutus
8 Lemon Tetras
6 Hatchetfish

Thoughts?? Critique? Suggestions? Alterations??

Still seems to be pushing the limits of a 40G, not in biomass but in required territory for cichlid pairs.

Potentially two breeding pairs of 4 inch cichlids in that tank could be seriously bad.
I'd rather go for just one pair, and then cut either the rainbows or the nanos down to a singleton. Put all the cichlids in at the same time and all should hopefully be well !