Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
Firemouths vary in temperament from mildy agressive and boisterous to highly reclusive, they are on a par with the blue eyed cichlid in terms of aggression and are much less aggressive, even when breeding, than the convict cichlid.
The firemouth, like all other central american cichlids is
an undemanding fish to keep. The water chemistry should be
slightly alkaline, but some variation is tolerated.
Firemouths will eat almost anything so feeding is not a
problem, although a variety of foods is better for the
general nutritional health of the fish.
Breeding: A pair of firemouths are easily maintained in a
24″ to 30″ tank and can be easily bred in tanks this size.
The pair select an flat stone, or sometimes the leaves of
larger plants such as Anubias sp on which to spawn. Both
parents play a role in raising the fry and are generally
excellent parents. Like other species it is important to
select unrelated individuals for breeding, preferably with
the strongest colour when not in breeding garb. The
simpliest way to obtain a viable pair is to buy a number of
juveniles from varying locations and raise them together.
Once a pair form, remove the other fish and let nature take
it’s course.
Notes: Originally Cichlasoma meeki, the Firemouth is one
of the most popular of the central american cichlids, it is
also one of the brightest coloured cichlids available,
rivalling the brilliant colours of the various african
cichlids.
Photo courtesy: Matty G.
Origin: Central America
Diet: Micro-preditor
Water Chemistry: pH 7.0 - 7.4, kH not critical (about 4 - 5)
Temperature: 24 - 28 C
Along with cichlids like the Archocentrus spirulus (blue eyed cichlid), Archocentrus sajica (T-Bar cichlid), Archocentrus nigrofasciatum (the infamous convict cichlid) and Nandopsis “Cichlasoma” octofasciatum (Jack Dempsey), the firemouth has graced many a mixed central american cichlid community aquarium. Unlike their african cousins, many of these fishes have well developed “personality” traits and are true delight to keep for the modern aquarist.
