Martinact420 asked:


One of the most popular of the cichlids, the Cichlid Firemouth has a distinctive shape and fiery red colors. It is an extremely beautiful fish and fun to keep! Do you want to learn the secrets to keeping and breeding bright and healthy Cichlid Firemouths? This article will show you how to make Cichlid Firemouth keeping easy for you. First though, lets learn some facts about the Cichlid Firemouth. Here we go…

Scientific Name: Thorichthys meeki

Family: Cichlidae

Origin: Guatemala;Yucatan

Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm)

Social:  Territorial

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Tank Level: Bottom dweller

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallon

Diet: Omnivore, eats most foods

Breeding: Egglayer

Care: Easy to Moderate

pH: 7.0 Hardness: up to 10 dGH

Temperature: 70-75 F (21-24 C)

The Cichlid Firemouth is so aptly named because of the fiery coloration on the under side of the fish’s mouth. It has a very bright redthroat and belly. This coloring generally starts at the base of the tail and will extend all the way to the mouth. The body of the Cichlid Firemouth is generally blue and gray with numerous black spots. Sometimes they even have brown fins streaked with blue. There are many different coloration differences, however, depending on each fishes exact place of origin.

The Cichlid Firemouth is usually peaceful with tankmates but the exception to that rule is when the fish is spawning. During breeding times, they can be aggressive towards other fish in their habitat as well as becoming aggressive towards smaller members of their own species. During spawning season, the male Cichlid Firemouth will display an impressive bluff. This usually pertains of an aggressive stance where the fish will inflates his fiery red throat sac and gill covers. It has been discovered by ethologists that the red coloring itself is intimidating to other fish. LOL!

During spawning 100-500 eggs can be produced, and both parents care for the fry. Firemouth Cichlids like a tank bottom of fine sand and sustrate that has plenty of hiding places among rocks, wood, and other substances. Plants are also very much appreciated by theCichlid Firemouth.You will want tp place hardy plants, such as Sagittaria, around the inside perimeter leaving an open area in the center for swimming. The plants should be potted to protect the roots as the firemouths may try to uproot them.

Many people say that “Keeping Cichlid Firemouths is too difficult”. Well they are WRONG. Or maybe you have heard other say “They are far too aggressive” – WRONG again. The most common misconception that I har of the most is “You cannot keep them with other fish” – Still WRONG.

Those type of people just did not have the right information to be successful. Like me and you, they probably ran into some big problems keeping Cichlid Firemouths, but did not take the time to learn how to keep Cichlid Firemouths the right way. I hope you enjoyed reading my article today ass well as have learned something to take with you about the Cichlid Firemouth.



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