Black Gullet Cichlid - Thorichthys pasionis "Black Gullet"

Black Gullet Cichlid (Thorichthys pasionis “Black Gullet”)

The Black Gullet Cichlid is an attractive Central American cichlid known for its yellow-gold body tones, darker throat markings and bold display behaviour. Closely related in care style to other Thorichthys species, it is best suited to mature aquariums with open swimming space, sand or fine substrate, smooth rockwork, wood and carefully chosen tankmates. It is usually less aggressive than many larger Central American cichlids, but it can still become territorial, especially when mature or breeding.

Common Name:
Black Gullet Cichlid, Blackgullet Cichlid, Black Gullet Thorichthys, Passion Cichlid

Scientific Name (Latin):
Thorichthys pasionis

Trade / Supplier Name:
Thorichthys pasionis “Black Gullet”

Maximum Size:
Approximately 15–17 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Black Gullet Cichlid is a Central American cichlid associated with river systems and slow to moderately flowing freshwater habitats.

It is linked with the Río de la Pasión region of Guatemala and nearby Central American waters.

In the wild, Thorichthys cichlids are often found around sandy or silty margins, submerged roots, stones, leaf litter and areas where they can browse, sift and establish territories.

In the aquarium, it does best in a mature setup with sand or fine smooth substrate, open areas, stable rockwork, driftwood and visual barriers.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 7.0–8.0
Hardness: Moderately hard preferred
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable
Flow: Gentle to moderate preferred

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive / Territorial

Black Gullet Cichlids are generally manageable for Central American cichlids, but they are still territorial fish.

They may display, flare, chase or defend a chosen area, especially once pairs form.

During breeding, pairs can become much more protective and may drive other fish away from the spawning site.

Diet:
Omnivore / Cichlid Community Diet

Black Gullet Cichlids accept a varied diet in the aquarium.

Offer quality cichlid pellets, granules, tropical flakes and sinking foods as the staple diet.

Supplement with frozen or live foods such as brineshrimp, daphnia, bloodworm, mysis, mosquito larvae and chopped meaty foods.

Include vegetable-based foods, spirulina flakes or algae-based pellets regularly, as a varied diet supports colour, digestion and long-term health.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 180–240 litres for a compatible pair

Larger aquariums are recommended for groups, multiple cichlids or mixed Central American community setups.

A longer aquarium is preferred, as it allows territories to form and gives tankmates room to move away.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Black Gullet Cichlid is an active, alert cichlid that spends much of its time exploring the lower and middle areas of the aquarium.

It may sift or browse across the substrate, investigate rockwork and display with the throat and fins when excited or territorial.

Pairs may clean stones, wood or firm surfaces before spawning and can show strong parental care once eggs or fry are present.

Community Suitability:
Semi-Aggressive Community Fish

The Black Gullet Cichlid is suitable for mature, carefully planned aquariums with robust but not overly aggressive tankmates.

Suitable companions may include larger livebearers, medium barbs, rainbowfish, larger tetras, bristlenose plecos, robust catfish and other relatively peaceful Central American cichlids where space allows.

Avoid tiny fish, shrimp, delicate community species, very timid fish, aggressive large cichlids, fin-nippers and any tankmate likely to be bullied or swallowed.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep in a mature aquarium with stable water quality and good filtration.

Provide sand or fine smooth substrate, as this species may browse or sift near the bottom.

Use smooth stones, driftwood and visual barriers to break up territories.

Avoid sharp décor and unstable rockwork.

Do not overcrowd with other cichlids, as territorial behaviour increases in cramped aquariums.

Pairs can become protective when breeding, so tankmates need enough space to avoid the territory.

A secure lid is recommended, as cichlids can jump when startled.

Regular water changes and low nitrate are important for long-term health, colour and breeding condition.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Occasional specialist availability, depending on supplier and import or breeding stock.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.