American Cichlid – Firemouth Cichlids – 4cm

Firemouth Cichlid: A Striking and Peaceful Central American Fish

The Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a popular and beautiful freshwater fish native to Central America. Its vibrant red throat and shimmering silver body make it a standout in any aquarium. Known for its peaceful temperament and manageable size, the Firemouth Cichlid is perfect for aquarists looking to add colour and personality to their tank.

Size and Lifespan

Firemouth Cichlids grow up to 15 cm, with males being slightly larger and more colourful than females. With proper care, they can live for 8–10 years, providing a long-lasting and enjoyable addition to your aquarium.

Tank Size and Requirements

A tank of at least 150 liters is recommended for Firemouth Cichlids. They thrive in water temperatures between 24°C–28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8.0. Provide plenty of hiding spots with rocks, driftwood, and plants while keeping open swimming areas. A sandy substrate is ideal, as they love to sift through sand in search of food.

Tank Mates

Firemouth Cichlids are relatively peaceful for cichlids and can coexist with similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Good tank mates include other Central American cichlids, tetras, rainbowfish, and bottom-dwelling species like Plecos. Avoid housing them with very aggressive or much smaller fish, as these may cause stress or become targets.

Feeding

These omnivorous fish enjoy a varied diet. High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes should be their staple food. Supplement their diet with live or frozen treats like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia to enhance their colours and health. Occasional vegetable-based foods like blanched spinach or peas also contribute to their balanced nutrition.

Breeding Firemouth Cichlids

Breeding Firemouth Cichlids is straightforward, as they are open spawners and form monogamous pairs. Males display their vibrant red throats during courtship. Females lay eggs on flat surfaces like rocks, and both parents actively guard the eggs and fry. To encourage breeding, maintain clean water and provide flat stones or caves. Feed fry finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp for healthy growth.

FAQs

How big do Firemouth Cichlids get?
They grow up to 15 cm, with males slightly larger than females.

Are they aggressive?
They are generally peaceful but can be territorial during breeding or when protecting their area.

What tank mates are suitable?
Other non-aggressive Central American cichlids, tetras, rainbowfish, and Plecos are good choices.

What do they eat?
They eat cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, and occasional vegetables like peas.

How do they breed?
They are open spawners, laying eggs on flat surfaces and guarding the fry as a pair.

Species Overview

• Species: Thorichthys meeki
• Common Name: Firemouth Cichlid
• Origin: Central America
• Diet: Omnivore
• PH Range: 6.5–8.0
• Temperature: 24°C–28°C
• Max Size: Up to 15 cm
• Tank Size: Minimum 150 liters