Neocaridina Red Rili Shrimp freshwater fish for sale - Legacy Line Aquatics LLC

Ellioti (Spotcheek) Cichlid (Thorichthys Maculipinnis)

$16.25
$16.25
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Neocaridina Red Rili Shrimp freshwater fish for sale - Legacy Line Aquatics LLC
  • Neocaridina Red Rili Shrimp freshwater fish for sale - Legacy Line Aquatics LLC
Ellioti (Spotcheek) Cichlid (Thorichthys Maculipinnis)

Ellioti (Spotcheek) Cichlid (Thorichthys Maculipinnis)

$16.25
$16.25

Spotted Cheek Cichlids are colorful Central American cichlids known for their metallic blue spotting, warm red and orange accents, and distinctive markings across the face and gill plates. Their coloration becomes increasingly impressive as they mature.

Sometimes sold under names such as Ellioti Cichlid or Yellow Firemouth, Thorichthys maculipinnis is more appropriately listed as the Spotted Cheek Cichlid. They offer the interactive behavior, pair bonding, and parental care associated with Central American cichlids without reaching the extreme size of many larger species.

Why Hobbyists Love Spotted Cheek Cichlids

  • Beautiful turquoise, blue, red, and orange coloration
  • Interactive behavior and recognizable individual personalities
  • Fascinating pair bonding and parental care
  • More manageable than many larger Central American cichlids
  • Color and finnage continue improving with maturity

What You’re Getting from Legacy Line Aquatics

  • Clean systems
  • Proper feeding, with a mixture of high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen brine shrimp, frozen bloodworms, live baby brine shrimp, and other quality foods
  • Parasite free
Quick Facts

  • Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 inches
  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Lifespan: Approximately 7–10 years
  • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
  • Temperature: 76–82°F
Animal Data

Temperament & Behavior

Spotted Cheek Cichlids are intelligent, interactive, and generally less aggressive than many similarly sized Central American cichlids. They can still become territorial, especially after forming a pair or while protecting eggs and fry. A properly structured aquarium with visual barriers is important when keeping them with other cichlids.

Feeding

These fish thrive on a varied omnivorous diet. A rotation of quality prepared, frozen, and live foods helps support steady growth, strong coloration, and breeding condition.

Recommended foods:

  • High-quality cichlid pellets
  • Insect-based pellets or granules
  • Frozen brine shrimp and mysis shrimp
  • Frozen bloodworms as an occasional treat
  • Live baby brine shrimp
  • Vegetable-containing flakes or pellets
Tank Parameters & Tankmates

They do best in tanks with:

  • Fine sand or smooth substrate
  • Smooth rocks and flat spawning surfaces
  • Driftwood and visual barriers
  • Open swimming space
  • Moderate water movement and strong filtration
  • Stable neutral to alkaline water around pH 7.0–8.2

Tank Size (Recommended)

  • Juvenile group: 40-gallon breeder or larger
  • Established adult pair: 55 gallons recommended
  • Community with additional cichlids: 75 gallons or larger

Water Temperature

  • Ideal range: 76–82°F
  • A stable temperature is more important than chasing one exact number

Tank Mates (Good Choices)

Best tank mates are similarly sized fish that can handle normal cichlid activity without being excessively aggressive.

Good tank mates may include:

Medium to large schooling fish:

  • Boesemani Rainbowfish
  • Turquoise Rainbowfish
  • Giant Danios
  • Larger Swordtails0

Compatible cichlids in sufficiently large tanks:

  • Rainbow Cichlids
  • Blue Acara
  • Firemouth Cichlids
  • Other comparably tempered Thorichthys species

Bottom dwellers:

  • Medium-sized plecos
  • Larger Synodontis catfish

Avoid:

  • Tiny fish that could be eaten
  • Extremely timid or delicate fish
  • Large, highly aggressive Central American cichlids
  • Persistent fin-nippers
  • Additional breeding pairs without adequate territory
Local orders & Shipping

Local Delivery 

  • Delivery is available within an 80-mile maximum distance from Owensboro, Kentucky.
  • $150 minimum order is required for delivery 
  • $25 delivery fee applies 

Local Meet-Up 

  • Local meet-up is available. 
  • After order we will contact you by email, or through Facebook or Instagram Messenger.
  • We will arrange a date, time, and public location to meet. 

Shipping & Live Arrival

Live fish are shipped Monday–Wednesday (weather permitting) to reduce transit risk. Please review our How Shipping Works page and DOA policy before ordering.

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