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Fish Profiles | Firemouth Cichlids
Fish Profiles | Firemouth Cichlids
Firemouth cichlids (Thorichthys meeki) are beautiful and fascinating freshwater fish native to Central America, specifically the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, Belize, and northern Guatemala. They get their name from the fiery red coloration on their throats and undersides, which becomes especially vivid during breeding displays or territorial disputes.
Here are some interesting facts about firemouth cichlids:
Appearance: Firemouth cichlids have an elongated body with a rounded head and a mouth that is slightly pointed. Their bodies are typically bluish-grey with bright red and orange accents on their throats, bellies, and fins. They can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length.
Behavior: These cichlids are known for their distinctive behavior, including "flaring" where they puff out their gills and extend their throat membranes to appear larger and more intimidating to rivals. They are territorial but can be kept in a community tank with other semi-aggressive fish of similar size.
Habitat: In the wild, firemouth cichlids inhabit slow-moving rivers, streams, and ponds with sandy or muddy bottoms and plenty of hiding spots like rocks and submerged vegetation. In an aquarium, they thrive in a well-maintained tank with similar conditions.
Diet: Firemouth cichlids are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. In an aquarium, they can be fed high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and vegetables like peas and spinach.
Breeding: Firemouth cichlids are relatively easy to breed in captivity. They form monogamous pairs and become very protective of their eggs and fry. Breeding pairs often select flat surfaces like rocks to lay their eggs, which the parents will guard fiercely until they hatch. Firemouth's will be semi-aggressive when breeding.
Features
Average purchase size: 2-5cm / 1-2"
Maximum size: 12cm / 6"
Origin: South America
Ideal number kept together: 3+
Water Parameters: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.5-7.5, and a temperature range of 75-86°F (24-30°C).
The Firemouth Cichlid can be added to a South American Cichlid aquarium. They are one of the least aggressive type of Cichlid. House them in community aquariums with similar sized, non-aggressive tropical freshwater fish.
To browse our range of Cichlid Food please click here.
To browse our range of aquariums suitable for Firemouth Cichlids please click here.
Photo credit(s): Main: Adult pair Firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) Angeles Black variety poses with a third female watching from the background by Toxotes Hun-Gabor Horvath / Shutterstock. Insert: Mexican Firemouth Cichlids Couple with Juveniles / Canva Pro Licence.
