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Maximum size : 15 cm
Firemouth Cichlid - Thorichthys meeki : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a popular species among aquarists for its hardiness, peaceful demeanour, and stunning beauty. These fish add a vibrant pop of colour to any aquarium, making them a delightful addition to any tank. While Firemouth Cichlids can be kept in a community tank, it's important to note that they can be quite territorial, especially during the spawning season. As such, they thrive best in larger tanks with ample space for each fish to safely establish its territory. When selecting tank mates for Firemouth Cichlids, it's important to choose species of a similar size and activity level, such as South American Cichlids, Catfish, Plecos, Rainbowfish, and Tetras. Slower-moving fish like Dwarf Cichlids and Angelfish should be avoided, as they may be bullied. Additionally, it's best to steer clear of shrimp and snails, as they may become a tasty snack for these opportunistic predators. Male Firemouth Cichlids will occasionally puff and flare out their gills, displaying their bright red throat as a show of dominance. This behaviour is intended to intimidate and scare off other males in search of mates swimming in their territory. In the wild, Firemouth Cichlids spend a significant amount of their time around plants, which they enjoy rearranging, moving, and digging out plants. The heads and bodies of Firemouth Cichlids have a pearlescent grey to blueish-olive colouring, while males have a distinctive orangy-red colouration on the underside of their heads where their gills are located. The lower part of the Operaculum features a distinctive black mark that sets these fish apart. All fins except for the pectoral fin have red edging and occasional blue spots, with some individuals sporting darker lateral bars along their sides.Firemouth Cichlid Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Firemouth Cichlids is a relatively easy task. Males typically possess longer and brighter fin rays compared to their female counterparts. Furthermore, males tend to have more pointed anal and dorsal fins, and they are generally larger in size than females. On the other hand, females have a more rounded shape, with larger stomachs contributing to their comparatively smaller size. \r\nQuick Facts
| Scientific Name | Thorichthys meeki |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1918 |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Thorichthys |
| Origins | Belize Guatemala Mexico Singapore Philippines Australia Israel Puerto Rico Hawaii |
| Max Size | 15 cm |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Pairs |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 8 - 10 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 8 - 15 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 75 - 86 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23.9 - 30 |
