Overview
- The Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a Central American cichlid known for its bright red-orange throat, which it flares to display.
- Native to lowland waters from southeastern Mexico, around the Yucatán Peninsula, to northern Belize and Guatemala.
- Grows to about 5 in (12 cm) standard length.
- Almost all fish in the trade are commercially raised.
Feeding
- Sifts the substrate for small crustaceans, invertebrates and detritus.
- Offer quality sinking foods plus live and frozen foods. [UNVERIFIED]
Habitat
- A tank with a base of 48 × 12 in (120 × 30 cm).
- Soft sand, smooth rocks, driftwood and caves.
- Water: 68–90°F (20–32°C), pH 6.5–8.5, GH 2–15.
Fish Care
- Hardy and adaptable.
- Sand lets it feed naturally.
Compatibility
- Can live with similar-sized Central American cichlids if each has room for a territory.
- Livebearers such as mollies and swordtails make good upper-level tankmates.
- May eat much smaller fish.
Aquarium Behavior
- Not especially aggressive, but territorial when breeding.
- Flares its gill covers to threaten rivals.
Breeding
- A monogamous substrate spawner. Easily bred.
- Both parents guard eggs and fry.
- Start with young fish and let pairs form.