Firemouth Cichlid

fish description – Firemouth Cichlid Care Guide ($Thorichthys\ meeki$)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Thorichthys\ meeki$
Common Name	Firemouth Cichlid, Red-Breasted Cichlid
Origin	Slow-moving rivers, lagoons, and cenotes (Mexico, Belize, Guatemala)
Adult Size	5–7 inches (12–18 cm)
Temperament	Peaceful to Semi-aggressive, territorial when breeding
Lifespan	8–15 years
Care Level	Easy to Moderate (Hardy for a cichlid)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A handsome, high-bodied cichlid with a silvery-blue body and subtle black vertical bars. Its namesake feature is the dramatic bright red/orange throat and belly that it flares out, along with its gills, in displays of aggression or during courtship rituals.
• Coloration: Silvery-blue body with iridescent spangling and several dark spots along the midline. Both sexes have the red throat, but it is more intense and pronounced in the male, especially when flaring. Males grow slightly larger and have longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins. Females are smaller and rounder.
• Fins: The dorsal and anal fins are pointed in males.
• Behavior: Known for its bluffing behavior (flaring gills to appear larger), which resolves most territorial disputes without actual fighting. They are active diggers and enjoy sifting fine substrate for food. They form monogamous pairs and are excellent parents.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters) is the minimum for a single fish or small pair. 55 gallons or larger is strongly recommended for community settings or a breeding pair, as they need bottom territory.
• Schooling: Best kept singly or as a monogamous pair (once formed). Aggression is usually directed toward the bottom territory and other bottom-dwellers.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $75^\circ$–$82^\circ\text{F}\ (24^\circ$–$28^\circ\mathrm{C})$ (up to $86^\circ\text{F}$ is tolerated).
• pH Level: Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline: 6.5 to 8.0. They are hardy and adaptable, but require pristine water quality and stable parameters. Strong filtration is essential, and water flow should be moderate.
• Aquascape: Requires a fine sand substrate for sifting/digging. Provide plenty of hiding caves and rockwork to establish clear territories. Use driftwood and hardy plants (Anubias, Java Fern) secured to decor, as they may uproot soft-leaved plants. Leave ample open swimming space in the middle.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Firemouth Cichlid is an omnivore that readily accepts a varied diet.

• Staple Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets and flakes, along with sinking wafers.
• Supplementation: A varied diet is essential for color. Offer frozen or live foods regularly: Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, and small crustaceans. Include vegetable matter (spirulina, blanched vegetables) frequently.
• Schedule: Feed small portions once or twice a day. They are enthusiastic feeders but should not be overfed.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Though generally peaceful, they become highly aggressive and defensive when spawning, fiercely guarding their territory from all intruders. Avoid housing with small fish that could be swallowed or slow-moving bottom-dwellers (e.g., small Corydoras) during breeding.
• Good Tank Mates: Other moderately aggressive or robust fish of similar size. Examples include Convict Cichlids (with caution), Severums, Rainbow Cichlids, Silver Dollars, Giant Danios, and larger Catfish (e.g., Synodontis).