Firemouth cichlid
Thorichthys meeki · Cichlidae
Also known as Firemouth, Meeki
Intermediate
Central American cichlid that bluffs with a flaring red throat rather than fighting.
In short: A firemouth cichlid needs at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 23–29 °C (73–84 °F) and pH 6.5–8. It is territorial, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 150 L (40 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C (73–84 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Adult size
- 15 cm (5.9 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 150 L (40 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C (73–84 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Hardness
- 8–20 dGH
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — pellets, frozen foods, vegetable matter.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Yucatán peninsula, Mexico to Guatemala
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Sandy, rocky rivers and cenotes
- Natural conditions
- Hard, alkaline, warm water with sand to sift.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Territorial
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- SwordtailLarger barbsCommon plecoConvict cichlid
- Avoid
- Nano fishShrimpTimid bottom dwellers
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males are larger with longer fin extensions.
- Notes
- Flat-surface spawner; both parents guard the brood.
- Common ailments
- Hole-in-the-headIch
Will it fit your tank?
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