Issue # 5
Get into Thorichthys Focus on the Thorichthys complex
Interview with Rusty Wessel
exCichlasoma tuyrense
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Hello readers and welcome to another edition of The Central Scene. For this issue the magazine will focus on the Thorichthys complex. A great little group of cichlids with much diversity that are great fish to keep for intermediates and novices. Thorichthys meeki (Firemouth) were the first cichlid that I ever spawned, so I have a great fondness for these guys. For our biotope feature, we are keeping with the Thorichthys theme and going for a easy contemporary aquascape using wood and a Lilly plant as the main feature. I would like to thank Rusty Wessel for kindly taking some time out to answer questions fired at him and supplying some wonderful photos to illustrate the article. Hopefully more interviews with experts will be pinned for future editions? The big and bad article covers two heavy weights in the Central American cichlid world. Both these fish are often debated regarding their suitability as a home aquarium species. I believe they can be if common sense and forward planning is applied. OK, that’s it for now, happy cichlid keeping, see you later for issue 6. Saludos, Lee Nuttall
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Contents 4
The Thorichthys complex Jewels from Central America
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Thorichthys meeki Display Aquarium Step by Step guide creating a biotope inspired Aquarium
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Interview with Rusty Wessel The Cichlid Scene has the privilege to talk to one of the most influential figures in the field of Central American cichlids
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The BIG and BAD Lee Nuttall takes a look at two heavy weights of the cichlid world; the Dovii and Umbee
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Cichlid Profiles This issue we take a look at the elusive exCichlasoma tuyrense
The views expressed in Central Scene are those of the individual(s) concerned and not necessarily those of the editor. While every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, the editor and its contributors disclaim all liability for any loss, injury or other problem arising from the use of information contained herein. The Central Scene Š copyright of Lee Nuttall 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any information retrieval system, in any form or by any means, without the express permission of the copyright holders. 3
Jewels from Central America
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Thorichthys pasionis pairs defending territory boundaries
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Distribution & habitat The range of Thorichthys species are from the Atlantic slope from southern Mexico, through Belize, Guatemala and northern Honduras. They inhabit a range of environments such as lakes, rivers, ponds and small creeks. Different temperature ranges and habitats will be found in the Thorichthys biotope. You can expect a range between 24-28c/ 7582f where the water can be fast or slow flowing sometimes murky or in the cenotes it will be crystal clear. A range of aquatic plants can sometimes be found like Nymphaea sp (water Lilies) and water hyacinths. In some habitats overhanging marginal vegetation can be present. The lake or river bed will be sandy with sunken wood and leaf litter, where many Thorichthys species will use as a spawning site. Thorichthys can be very sociable and are observed in large groups where they forage, however they never shoal. When choosing different Thorichthys species, it will be worth remembering that they are categorized into 2 species groupings. Group 1 is Thorichthys helleri. This group consists of T. aureus, T. macculipinnis, T. callolepis, T. helleri, T. socolofi and sp. ‘mixteco’. This group are normally found in lower temperatures where the water is moderately fast flowing with a higher oxygen content level. Group 2 is the Thorichthys meeki group. This includes two other species, Thorichthys affinis and Thorichthys pasionis. This group of cichlids are usually found in lower reaches of calmer rivers, lakes and swamps where the water is much warmer and has lower oxygen content. Many have different geographical variations; of particular note is Thorichthys meeki where they possibly boast 13?
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Thorichthys maculipinnis
exCichlasoma salvini
Paraneetroplus nebuliferus
Michael Kwist
Paratheraps fenestratus
Rio Dos Caùos, part of the Papaloapan river drainage (Mexico), is home to the type specimen Thorichthys maculipinnis. Other cichlids found in the river are exCichlasoma salvini, Paraneetroplus nebuliferus and Paratheraps fenestratus. Photo Š Rusty Wessel 7
Display Aquarium
into the substrate or use a small plant pot. Using a plant pot, you can easily control the amount of nutrient rich substrate. If planting straight into the substrate, then make sure the plant is well established beforehand and protect the roots with a few large pebbles positioned around the base. Tiger lotus Lilies originate from Africa, however, we can use artistic licence to represent the Nymphaea sp. found throughout Mexican and Central American waterways. I’ve decided to add a small group of Xiphophorus hellerii (Green swordtails). These are great little fish to add and will help your cichlids settle. I would advise to add the swordtails first in any
Thorichthys meeki are great centrals to keep and are suitable for smaller manageable aquaria. The following aquascape is based on a pond biotope that populations of T. meeki are found in. Thorichthys meeki are better to keep in large groups in medium to large aquariums, but if you have a strongly bonded spawning pair, then the following aquascape is ideal to try in smaller aquaria. The one illustrated is a 180L aquarium, 101 x 41 x 50 cm high, but you could still try the same aquascape in a larger aquarium. The main feature is a Nymphaea lotus (Green) Lilly plant. They will do best in moderate to bright light with some nutrition added to the substrate. Either plant straight 8
Thorichthys meeki pair in a biotope inspired display aquarium
the aquarist many options in creating a biotope specific tank. Some sympatric cichlid species include: Thorichthys pasionis, T. helleri, Astatheros robertsoni, 'Cichlasoma' salvini, 'C.' urophthalmus, Cryptoheros spilurus, Rocio octofasciata, Vieja argentea, V.heterospila, Vieja melanura, Parachromis friedrichsthalii, P. managuensis, Petenia splendida. Non cichlid species include: Astyanax aeneus, Rhamdia guatemalensis and R. laticauda, Poecilia Mexicana, Poecilia petenensis, Xiphophorus hellerii and Xiphophorus maculatus. Note, there will be many more non cichlid species, but these are some fish that are sometimes available to buy.
setup, otherwise they could get attacked and predated on. If adding a small group, then add only one male fish, as two males will end up fighting to the death! If you decide to spawn your cichlids, then remove the swordtails as the will predate on any free swimming fry. Alternative setup Thorichths meeki have quite an extensive distribution range throughout Belize, Guatemala and Mexico. They are found in many different habitats like, Lakes and Rivers, floodplains, marshes, creeks and cenotes (sinkholes). Different cichlids and fish species are found in many habitats giving 9
The Central Scene talks to one of the most influential figures in the Central American cichlid hobby Rusty was awarded the ACA fellowship in 1997 which is the highest honour the American Cichlid Association offers. He is on the ACA’s Speaker’s Programme and part of the “Guy Jordan Endowment Fund”, which deals with cichlid research. Rusty has made over 100 successful collecting trips to many different countries where he has studied
and collected fish to bring back and spawn to introduce back into hobbyist tanks. Over the years he has discovered many species being one particular cichlid on a trip to Honduras. This cichlid later became Theraps wesseli named in his honour by Dr Robert Rush Miller. Rusty Thank you for talking to the Central Scene.
The Man Cave 10
Inside, Rusty maintains around 90 tanks equating to over 5000 gallons of water all controlled by an automatic water changing system.
Hello Rusty, thank you for taking the time and speaking to the Central Scene. The first question is usually the hardest, but there’s always a beginning. When and why did you become interested in North & Central American cichlids? Lee: Back in the late 1980’s ( a lifelong childhood friend -TJ Delahanty) was In Belize and was working for the Peace Corp and was heading up the department in Belize City. At that time I was keeping mainly African Cichlids and TJ telephoned me and said I have to get down there to see all the cool cichlids in his backyard, so shortly thereafter I and a friend (Garland Bird) flew down and soon discovered a new passion of observing the fishes in their natural habitat. Ross Socolof, a retired fish farmer (now deceased) was my mentor and good friend. He had has visited Belize many times and took me under his wing and quickly taught me everything there was to know about collecting trips. So, from that point on there was no turning back and my 50 tanks or so at that time were soon teaming with the cichlids of Central America (primarily Belizean and Honduran strains) and quickly replacing the mouth brooders of Africa.
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poecilia Mexicana (Male)
Rio Jutiapa in Honduras is a fast pristine body of water where Rusty Wessel collected a new cichlid for the hobby, Theraps wesseli
Do any other species from North & Central America apart from cichlids hold special interest?
coexisting together and the cichlids seem to stay much calmer with the school of livebearers moving in and out of the plants and rocks.
Yes, I love all the fishes of Central America and I presently keep many varieties of livebearers including swords and mollies. So, livebearers are of special interest to me. Most of my livebearers are secondary fishes in my display tanks and are sort of used as dithers for the cichlids but I thoroughly enjoy them in my displays. I tend to believe it gives a much more natural appearance to the tanks with the large cichlids and the livebearers
You are extremely well travelled and well known for your many collecting trips, do you have a favourite place, river or lake you travel to? That is tough for there are many rivers that I am quite fond of. I guess I could list the top two but in no particular order. Rio Jutiapa is a fast flowing clear coastal stream in North Central Honduras. This short river abuts the mountains 12
Theraps wesseli eventually named after me by Dr. Robert R Miller of the University of Michigan (Theraps wesseli in 1996. This slender and shy species is well adapted to the fast and pristine waters of Rio Jutiapa moving quickly in and around the large boulders that exist in the rapids. The jungle is still mostly in good condition that surrounds the area and the flora and fauna greatly attribute to the beauty of the region. A second favourite river is the Rio Bascan in Southern Mexico which is very similar to the Jutiapa and this region one can find the beautiful Thorichthys socolofi and Theraps coeruleus, both moderately rare and elusive cichlids. Both of these rivers are deeply embedded as my all-time favourites. of the Papaloteca drainage, Departmento de Atlantida on the Northern Caribbean coast. During 2 field trips in 1969 and 1970, Michael Marin (1972) spent a total of seven months covering all the major drainages including Palaloteca. Approximately 26,500 specimens from 182 localities were cataloged and labeled and in addition, he examined over 6,600 specimens of Honduras fishes that were preserved in several museums. Remarkably, a highly localized species was missed and subsequently discovered in the early 1990’s and
What would your favourite cichlid be when visiting this place? Theraps coeruleus for it is rare and produces small spawns and is sort of like have 5 fish in one. It is non-aggressive and has 5 distinct colour phases during courtship. Also, it may be the most challenging for its overall requirements of good clean water quality in aquaria is vital to its success.
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Rusty is a big fan of the Thorichthys complex as they are regarded as only mildly aggressive species. Thorichthys are highly recommended if you’re interested in keeping Centrals.
Thorichthys socolofi
Thorichthys callolepis
I feed Cobalt flake and pellets to my labs. I understand that pro biotics is excluded and on the hit list for foods prepared in Europe. Supposedly, pro biotics was accidently left off the regulations list in the UK so the manufacturers had to pull it as an ingredient. That is a shame if it is true? Water quality is also very important with this species. In the wild they come from desert springs supplying continuous water changes with very high mineral content. In fact, the minerals are so high that one finds it easy to float in the water, thus, and in addition to the warm water, it is a common place to find the locals swimming in the waters. In the aquarium, large frequent water changes are necessary. I do not add any salts and have found they just need consistent clean hard water.
cichlids. One last question Are there any new hard to find cichlids and new populations not currently available to the hobby that maybe offered in the near future? Uruguay is certainly full of some new cichlids but new is difficult to define. Many of the new types often will be just geographical variants of fish we already have. Most likely, a few new Herichthys types are still coming out of Northern Central Mexico as well as some Thorichthys and Paratheraps from Southern Mexico. Certainly, there are a few new fishes still out there!
I once heard that when you retire, you plan to build a huge aquarium based on a particular eco system. Could you share a little more information on your future planned project?
Thanks Rusty!
When the fish house was constructed I added some extra concrete footers in the floor to handle the potential weight of a large display to be built later of 30000 gallons or more. I have always wanted a super large indoor tank housing a particular river including all the fishes of that river from the catfishes, to the tetras , livebearers and
All Photography Š Rusty Wessel
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Lee Nuttall
A male Astatheros altifrons guards his free swimming fry. When breeding, both fish will turn quite pale sometimes displaying barring. The yellow lips and throat region that these cichlids display in normal colouration will fade and turn a darker colour with a dark sooty throat.
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Š George Markadakis
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The
BIG
and
BAD!
Lee Nuttall takes a look at two cichlids regarded as the main heavy weights in the aquarium hobby!
New world cichlids come in all colours, shapes and sizes; many are suitable for the average sized aquarium. However; there are two heavy weight contenders which are generally unsuitable, but for only the largest aquariums; Parachromis dovii and Caquetaia umbrifera. Both these cichlids are of special interest as they are the largest growing of their respected genera, but why so popular? Some will claim that they are status fish, much like when some owners keep an aggressive dog, but if kept correctly, they can make a stunning showpiece and become very interactive with their owner. It is true that many, who keep these cichlids, certainly cannot provide a suitable home long term, which is sadly a common occurrence; however I’m happy to report that there are some sensible and dedicated hobbyists who can provide the right sized conditions. There’s no doubting the sheer presents and beauty that both cichlids exhibit when adult, but a little research and thought will certainly be needed if you are considering keeping these cichlids long term.
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exCichlasoma tuyrense (Meek & Hildebrand, 1913)
Etymology: Named after the type locality specimen from Rio Tuyra, Boca de Cupe, Panama. Common name: Mojarra (Panama) Size: Males attain sizes of 25 cm/ 10 “. Females are smaller. Distribution: Endemic to Panama on the Pacific slope (Tuyra and Bayano River basins), notably the Rio Nicanor.
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Herichthys cyanoguttatus variations Honduran redpoint biotope Display Aquarium
Cichlid Profile
Beautiful Quetzel
Trimac cichlids
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