Firemouth Cichlid

FIREMOUTH CICHLID

Thorichthys meeki

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📍 BASIC INFO

Origin: Central America – Mexico, Belize and Guatemala

Adult Size: 5″–7″

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial

Care Level: ⭐ Easy to Moderate

Tank Level: Middle / Bottom

🍽 DIET

Omnivore

Accepts: High-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill, insect larvae, and occasional spirulina-based foods

✔ COMPATIBILITY

Suitable for community aquariums with similarly sized, peaceful to moderately assertive fish. Avoid very small fish, shrimp, aggressive cichlids, and persistent fin-nippers. Breeding pairs become highly territorial and require adequate space.

💧 WATER PARAMETERS

pH: 6.5–8.0

Temperature: 75–82°F

Ammonia: 0 ppm

Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate: <30 ppm

⭐ HIGHLIGHT

Named for the brilliant red-orange coloration covering its throat and belly. When displaying or defending its territory, it expands its gill covers to create an impressive “firemouth” appearance.

📝 CARE NOTES

Provide a spacious aquarium with sand or smooth, fine gravel, caves, driftwood, rocks, and open swimming areas. Secure decorations because this species may dig and rearrange the substrate. Use efficient filtration and maintain stable water quality through regular partial water changes.

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Fish World Aquarium 🐟