Thorichthys meeki

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Firemouth Cichlid
Firemouth Cichlid
Species Thorichthys meeki
Difficulty Moderate
Min. Tank Size 208.198 liters
208,197.648 mL

55 US Gallons (208.2L)

Size 16.51 cm

6-6.5 " (15.2-16.5cm)

pH 6.5 - 8.5
Temp. 295.372 K
22.222 °C
531.67 °R

302.594 K
29.444 °C
544.67 °R
72 -85 °F (22.2-29.4°C)

Water Hardness

6-10

Stocking Ratio 1:2 M:F
Availability Common
Diet

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

Life Span

3-5 years

Contents

[edit] Alternative names

Firemouth

[edit] Sexing

Males tend to be more colourful.

[edit] Tank compatibility

Recommended to be kept in a species only tank or with similar sized cichlids of the same temperment, larger catfish are also compatable.

[edit] Diet

Will take most foods for cichlid pellets and flakes, as well as live/frozen food such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and ghost shrimp.

[edit] Feeding regime

Feed small amounts several times a day.

[edit] Environment Specifics

Firemouths are naturally found in the slow moving, murky waters in the Yucatán peninsula and as far south as Guatemala. In the aquarium they are best kept in larger tanks with lots of rocks, plants, and some driftwood.

[edit] Behaviour

Generally a great fish when kept with fish around it's same size. The Firemouth can become territorial at times, especially during breeding. When threatened the firemouth can flare it's gills out similar to the behavior of a Betta.

[edit] Identification

A tall and laterally compressed cichlid. The head is large and pointed. The anal and dorsal fins come to a point. The body colour is light grey to dark slate grey and six to seven, often faint, transverse stripes mark the upper parts. A black spot can be found on the gill cover. The throat and breast are bright red as is the anal fins which also has some iridescent blue spots. The other fins have a red tint with the green to blue iridescent spots.

[edit] Pictures

[edit] External links

Facts about Thorichthys meeki
Availability Common
Common name Firemouth Cichlid
Diet Omnivore  +
Difficulty Moderate
Family Cichlidae  +
Foods Pellet Food  +, Flake Food  +, and Live Food  +
Maximum Size 6.5 in (16.51 cm)  +
Maximum age 5  +
Maximum hardness 10  +
Maximum pH 8.5  +
Maximum temperature 302.594 K (29.444 °C, 85 °F, 544.67 °R)  +
Minimum Tank Size 55 US Gallon (208.198 liters, 208,197.648 mL)  +
Minimum hardness 6  +
Minimum pH 6.5  +
Minimum temperature 295.372 K (22.222 °C, 72 °F, 531.67 °R)  +
Scientific name Thorichthys meeki
Personal tools
brackish water