Firemouth Cichlid Thorichthys Meeki 4cm

Overview

The Firemouth Cichlid is a classic Central American cichlid named for the blazing red-orange throat and belly that males flare during display. It comes from the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. It suits intermediate keepers wanting a colourful, manageable cichlid for a spacious community of similar-sized fish.

• Adult Size: Around 12 cm (5 in); males larger than females
• Lifespan: 8–10 years

Origin

• Native to: Mexico, Belize and Guatemala
• Habitat: Shallow, slow cenotes, lagoons and streams over sand

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous, sifts substrate
• Preferred Foods: Cichlid pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, spirulina flake, peas
• Feeding Habits: Feed once or twice daily; include vegetable matter weekly

Tank Mates

• Best with: Other peaceful Central American cichlids, larger tetras, barbs, catfish
• Avoid: Very small fish, boisterous or aggressive cichlids

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Mild for a cichlid outside breeding
• Territoriality: Strongly territorial when spawning; fairly gregarious otherwise

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Challenges: Breeding aggression; needs space and hiding places

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, neutral to hard and alkaline
• Temperature: 24–30°C (75–86°F)
• pH: 6.5–8.5
• Hardness: 5–15 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 110 litres for a pair; larger for groups

Final Notes

Firemouths are monogamous substrate spawners and easily bred, but a pair will claim a large territory and chase everything else, so plan the layout with rocks and caves to break sight lines. Males grow larger with extended fin filaments and stronger colour. They sift sand for food, so use a fine substrate and expect some disturbance to rooted plants. Hardy and adaptable, they make an excellent first medium cichlid.