If the cichlid is hungry he will eat them, if he's not hungry he'll kill them for sport. Consider introducing these fiery creatures today – you won’t regret it. Firemouth Cichlid Stats Minimum Tank Size: 29 Gallons (110 Liters) Care Level: Moderately Hard Water Conditions: 6.5-8.5 pH and Soft to Very Hard Temperature: 68-89 °F (20-32 °C) Maximum Size: 6 inches (15 centimeters) The firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) has a long history in the aquarium trade, and has been kept by aquarists for well over a century now. They do get territorial during spawning and will harass smaller tank mates of their own … The fire mouth cichlid is a beautifully bright colored fish to add to your freshwater aquarium. Owning a firemouth cichlid may be more difficult, but it is certainly a rewarding experience. You should clean any new additions to the tank thoroughly, ideally quarantining them for a few days to make sure no new diseases will be transmitted to your tank. Parents will devote a lot of time to tending to their fry, which is very unusual in the fish world. Plants should be hardy, like Sagittaria, and potted with their root surfaces protected. You should try to maintain a water hardness rating between 8 and 15 dGH, and there should be minimal to moderate current inside your tank. The Firemouth is best kept in pairs. Both the male and female will rear and care for their fry before and after hatching. There are so many options for you, I hope for the fish you already have … Firemouth Cichlids are not schooling fish, and are actually far from being social creatures. These cichlids inhabit slow-moving rivers that are warm nearly year-round. In the wild, these fish usually eat foods like small invertebrates, mollusks, detritus, and small crustaceans. Neither the largest nor the smallest cichlids, these fish can grow up to 7”. Whenever cichlids fight they will lock lips so just take one out and maybe re-arrange the tank. Then put it back in for more cover. That being said, this fish is generally native to the shallow, cloudy waters of Central America. It’s fun to watch Firemouth Cichlids in the tank, as they will spend a good amount of time sorting through the substrate in search of food. Firemouth Cichlids demonstrate some-what aggressive territorial behavior especially during spawning and will harass smaller tank mates of their own species. But they do get territorial at times. Obviously, they are great adapters but try to maintain them at recommended water parameters (see below). If you want to keep it in a community aquarium, you should double this. These cichlids inhabit slow-moving rivers that are warm nearly year-round. Firemouth Cichlids have long lifespans, with a longevity that far exceeds that of similar fish species. Conduct bi weekly water changes and make sure you reduce all potential stressors for your fish. Firemouth Cichlids are interesting in that, despite being freshwater species, they can tolerate water conditions that are somewhat brackish. If you’ve been searching for the perfect fish and haven’t found the right match, the Firemouth Cichlid could offer everything you’ve always wanted. You can reduce the likelihood of infection in your tank by keeping the tank clean. Females Firemouth Cichlids, on the other hand, will have bellies that are more proud and well-rounded. This is another “burrowing Cichlid” in that they will dig out your rockwork and substrate to make themselves a shelter/cave. However, 8 – 10 years is a more common lifespan. Firemouth Cichlids will spend much of their time hiding among the plants.they enjoy moving and rearrange plants and other decorations. Scientific Name: Thorichthys meeki Common Name: Firemouth Cichlid Max Size: 6" pH: 6.0-8.0 Hardness: Hard Temperature: 70-82° Aggressiveness: Semi-Aggressive Region of Origin: Central America Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred Diet: Flake or pellet, frozen and live food Compatibility: Semi-aggressive cichlids, large tetras, livebearers Remarks: A smaller, more docile Central American cichlid. You’ll be able to watch them burrow in the sand, flit through tangles of driftwood, and even spawn. The Firemouth Cichlid can be territorial when it is stressed – in truth, this fish is not the best at handling any kind of stressors or rapid change. Firemouth Cichlids will eat most vegetable or meat foods. Once you have the right equipment and are sure the gallon size is correct, it’s all about how to set up the environment. These fish are ideal for a community aquarium, but you need to make a special effort to make sure that they are housed with fish of a similar size. All members of this species will have bodies and heads that are grey, blue, or olive-colored (or any combination of these three). But no matter how much you spend, how the equipment performs in the most important aspect to consider. You might also want to consider putting your plants so that they cannot be uprooted and have their fragile root systems damaged. But under the right circumstances, the firemouth cichlid can actually be a peaceful community fish. Even if your fish are peaceful most of the time, remember that spawning can influence new behaviors that you may have never seen before. Water hardness should be maintained at around 10 dGH. Tank Mate … A Firemouth Cichlid tank should be warm, with temperatures averaging between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, having lots of tank mates for Firemouth Cichlids is not the way to go, for the reasons mentioned above. You should try to maintain a water hardness rating between 8 and 15 dGH, and there should be minimal to moderate current inside your tank. Residing in cave systems has also been reported. Unlike many other fish, firemouth cichlids are excellent parents that will work together as a family. The name of this fish is derived from the ancient Greek word for “leaping fish.” The second part of the fish’s name, “meeki,” is a testament to the expert ichthyologist Seth Eugene Meek, who penned the first-ever book on the freshwater fish species of Mexico. This can quickly become an overstocking issue, so make sure any spawning that takes place is intentional on your part. Their semi-aggressive temperament and special environmental needs can cause some tank owners to hesitate. As fish with a tropical distribution, firemouth cichlids live in warm … If the fish accidentally spawn, contact local fish stores to see if they can take the fry once matured or remove the eggs from the tank. In order to prevent aggression issues, it’s best to house firemouth cichlids with active fish of a similar size. But with the right attention to detail and care, they can be just as rewarding as any other fish. There should also be rocks available, as they like to hide among the rocks and roots. When setting up your Firemouth Cichlid tank,t ry to mimic this fish’s natural environment to the greatest extent possible. Just keep an eye on your fish and if necessary, think about removing the threatened fish from the tank during spawning. The Firemouth is territorial and will display its bright red gill covers to frighten other fish off. In this case, 25-30 % water change should be done on weekly basis. For example, this fish is found in places as far-reaching as Australia, Singapore,Israel, and the Philippines, largely because it update so easily and grows so rapidly. Therefore, you will need to be mindful of the size and weight of the items you are placing in your tank. If you are keeping multiple Firemouth Cichlids, you should keep them in a tank of about 30 gallons at a minimum. Combined with a fast growth rate, trophic opportunism, and easy adaptation, their hardiness has become both a boon and a curse. They have brighter colors and fin rays that are more elongated. The only fish you might have luck keeping with these cichlids are extremely docile bottom-dwelling species like plecos, and even those might have a pretty have a rough time. Common name: Firemouth cichlid. Keep a watchful eye on your tank so that you can evaluate the compatibility of your tank inhabitants. Besides increasing the gallon size, you’ll also need to invest in the equipment below. You should generally give them moderate amounts of light. From the bottom of their mouth to their upper stomach, they are a bright red that verges on orange for some fish. Female cichlids will clean the flat rocks and lay anywhere from 100 to 500 eggs on them. There should also be rocks available, as they like to hide among the rocks and roots. Temperament … They have an exciting personality which makes them fun to watch. But for the aquarists that are willing to put in the work, these beautiful fish show stunning natural behaviors. Beware when the fire mouth widens its mouth it's going in for a fight. Firemouth cichlid is a very hardy fish but sometimes it is susceptible to ich, skin flukes, fungal, bacterial infections and other parasitic infestations. Males will grow to about six inches in size, while females are usually about four or five inches. It is one male firemouth cichlid in a 20 gallon tank. If you choose to use live plants, select ones that are naturally hardy. Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 30°N (71.43 - 535.71ppm) 0°C 32°F 30°C 86°F. But they are a great fish for community tanks … The Firemouth Cichlid is named for its bright red color patterns. Now, this isn’t in extremes, as much as Convict Cichlids, but they are still aggressive. The firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a species of cichlid fish native to Central America. Now considered an invasive species in many parts of North America, the fish is found in  many parts of the world where it has been introduced. As with most fish, especially Cichlids, their aggression will rise significantly during spawning, especially around the breeding site. Only males will develop the bright red hues for which this famous, and they will only do this during spawning season. Firemouth Cichlid Tropical Fish Learn all about the Firemouth Cichlid's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. #2 the fish you have now and cichlids have completely diff. This is the perfect fish to make your aquarium livelier. Though firemouth cichlids may not be perfect for every community freshwater aquarium, they are still very enjoyable fish to keep. For more information, please check our, their hardiness has become both a boon and a curse, Readying Your Tank for Firemouth Cichlids, it’s best to purchase a male-female pair at the same time, If you decide to transition your cichlid to a live diet, monitor their behavior carefully, 12 Colorful Freshwater Fish to Enhance Your Aquarium, Chili Rasbora: A Flash of Color in Your Nano Tank, Water Wisteria: the Propagation Superstar, Installing a Protein Skimmer: Tips & Mistakes to Avoid. Some common meals are: These fish will accept frozen, live, and freeze-dried foods. Females are generally better at hiding and avoiding fish. Take the best looking, and most evenly … The Firemouth Cichlid is often referred to as being a ray-finned fish. However you can encourage them to spawn by altering the water parameters. may i know the reason, rest the fry … However, 30 gallons is still very manageable no matter how much space you have available in your home. Including live plants is another way to naturally reduce the level of nitrates, although it can’t replace water changes. If you decide to transition your cichlid to a live diet, monitor their behavior carefully. You’ll also need both a female and male firemouth cichlid (duh, right?) pH should be between 6.5 and 8.0. This will help prevent your fish from becoming sick due to a decline in water quality or due to conditions that differ too drastically from their native environment. This new world cichlid needs at least 30 gallons. You rtank should be about 30 gallons in volume, but remember that  a large tank is always best if you plan on keeping other fish, or if you want to keep multiple Firemouth Cichlids. If you have more questions about your aquarium please To minimize aggressive behaviors, meet these basic needs and preferences below: Though some of these tips may seem obvious, it’s always better to be more cautious. This fish is known for being peaceful, but that doesn’t mean that it can be housed with any old species of fish. The firemouth cichlid is a peaceful species and can be a good companion, but there may be aggressiveness if there are different fish sizes in the same tank. Use a sand substrate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Recommended pH range for the species: 6.6 - 8.5. Cichlids are exceptionally sensitive to dirty water. Ich, like most other freshwater diseases, is easier to prevent than it is to cure. Their habitat is usually shallow, slow-moving, often turbid, water with a pH of 6.5-8.0. Cichlids can be a daunting type of fish to begin keeping, especially for beginners. The Firemouth Cichlid is often recommended as a great first cichlid for beginners to cichlid keeping. Sometimes, they will also have bars that run along the side of their bodies, and these are also usually dark in color. Now, as beautiful as Firemouths are, they are well-known for having an aggressive and tough temperament! You can purchase Firemouth Cichlids in paris that are already matched, or you can encourage them to pair off on their own by buying six or more cichlids at a time. Males can suffer from harassment from larger and more aggressive tank mates while females are quite good at finding protection under th… They like options like blood worms, brine shrimp, spirulina, spinach, and even mosquito larvae. In addition, all Firemouth Cichlids have black marks on the lower half of their operculums. Sometimes they will also swim to the rocks or sunken wood that produce large caves. By far, the hardest cichlids to companion are African cichlids like haps, peacocks, and mbunas, and Central American species such as Jack Dempsey, convicts, wolf, and Firemouth cichlids. With these in place, the firemouth cichlid will be less aggressive and more focused on engaging in natural behaviors. The water must be kept clean at all times with no build-up of ammonia or other nitrogen compounds like nitrates and nitrites. Males will live alone, though they may form monogamous pairs with any females in the tank. This will keep the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates as close to 0 ppm as possible. For example, they will spread their gills and demonstrate violently to attract attention to themselves. This will allow it to carve out its own exclusive territory. Without a doubt Cichlids are by far one of the most popular types of freshwater fish. This behavior is exacerbated during the spawning season. Keeping the Firemouth with other Firemouth and similar Cichlids is a better option for tank aggression planning. There is good filtration, the temp is about 77 and the ph is about 7.0. Consider our ultimate guide to the Firemouth Cichlid to help you get started in raising this gorgeous fish. Resource competition and predation are the two most common and worst effects. The most colorful fish , for example, are found in Tabasco, Mexico, where the environment dictates the color and vibrancy of these efish. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding all of your pets. Though beneficial for hobbyists, this has proven to be problematic elsewhere. Females will lay up to 500 eggs before the male comes along to fertilize them. The Firemouth Cichlid is a monogamous, semi-aggressive fish. Therefore, you should avoid keeping snails or small shrimp as tank mates, because your Firemouth Cichlids may view them as potential sources of food. The female can spawn as much as 100-500 eggs and they are easy to breed. Instead, they will carve out specific territories. Although it is best to keep them in a single species tank, there are quite a few compatible tank mates for them as well. water chemistry needs. The False firemouth cichlid is a difficult species to breed in the aquarium however it has been achieved on a few occasions. You can use decorations, plants, wood, or rocky. Though they may live near other firemouth cichlids, they are not schooling fish. They are hardy and usually peaceful. A Firemouth Cichlid tank should be warm, with temperatures averaging between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. To acquire a compatible pair, place a group of young fish in a tank and allow them to pair up. Instead, they will carve out specific territories. Firemouth cichlid also known as Thorichthys meeki is a native Central American species of cichlid fish. They are quite territorial and will go lengths to protect what they believe is theirs. Vertically along their bodies is a series of black and grey bands that start behind their eyes and continue all the way to the caudal fin. Provide your Firemouth Cichlid with suitable companions, offer a nutritious diet, and check the water parameters on a regular basis. The firemouth cichlid fish has a bright red coloring that makes it popular in the ornamental … and must maintain a non-hostile aquarium environment. Firemouth cichlids are omnivores that will accept most foods, though they have a preference for meaty foods. They are a substrate spawner and both parents will show parental care to the brood. Their natural habitat is typically shallow, slow-moving, often turbid, water with a pH of 6.5 - 8.0. They are peaceful fish except when spawning. Carefully read reviews and, if possible, watch product demos. There are more cost-effective brands on the market as well as more expansive products. Don’t count on your aquascaping … First, these fish will become aggressive towards other fish that might try to invade their territory, especially during the spawning season. The Firemouth will eat small fish. Rocks can be used as well. Common surfaces include large leaves, the glass of the tank, a flat rok, or even driftwood. The easiest way to do this is to raise the pH to 7.0 and allow temperatures to remain between 75 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. These fish are bluish gray with black tints, their underside is bright red and their fins are brown with blue tints. Family: Cichlidae. They are omnivores that can be rather dangerous to other fish if the aquarium is not big enough during breeding season. During this season, they may become aggressive towards other fish and potentially kill any fish invading their territory. Also keep in mind that any new object that you introduce to the tank can be a carrier of dangerous bacteria, fungi, or parasites. since 15 days back my 2 molly fish had given birth to their 40 fry, but 5 out of them being eaten by fire mouth cichlid, then i separated the molly fry in other aquarium, but after 2 day i found my female molly death (which i left in same tank along with cichlid and gauramies). In the wild, most male Firemouth Cichlids live by themselves, maintaining and defending their own territories at all costs. All of their fins have spots in a remarkable turquoise. Because adult cichlids are so protective of their young – a rare situation to behold in the fishkeeping world – there is little you need to do to care for the young fry. The parents may dig several different pits and periodically move the fry until they mature. They are active fish that can provide entertainment for hours, especially during spawning season. Let’s talk about the tank mates for the Firemouth cichlids. Fishtankadvisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Luckily, ich is very easy to treat. Usual size in fish tanks: 12 - 15 cm (4.72 - 5.91 inch) 0 14. It’s actually pretty simple. When they are ready to do so, your Firemouth Cichlids will lay their eggs on a clean, solid surface. Larger tanks will allow them to carve out specific territories, which will, in turn, reduce stress and lead to more peaceful behavior. They occur in Yucatan Peninsula rivers, Mexico, south through Belize and north into Guatemala. With vivid red along their bottom of their bodies and a pearlescent turquoise covering the rest, these fish are certainly showstoppers. There are several fish in this class of ray-finned fish, but what they all have in common is that their fins will consist of a web of skins surrounded by rays or spines. They will become free-swimming in about five days, and the mother and father will continue to look after them for several weeks after that stage has passed. It is therefore recommended to keep Firemouth Cichlids that are similar in size to minimize potential aggression. The Firemouth Cichlid, known scientifically as Thorichthys meeki, belongs to the Cichlidae family and is found in the wild in the rivers of Central America. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep a group of such fish in a single tank because they get along with each other well. Males often suffer from harassment from larger, more aggressive companions. If this is the desired result, it’s best to purchase a male-female pair at the same time, rather than introducing them at separate times. Firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a freshwater breed in the Cichlidae family that is native to Central America and South America. Use a sand substrate. What do you need to make the firemouth cichlid feel at home? Firemouth cichlids are especially enjoyable to keep because of their beautiful coloring and exciting behaviors. It’s easier to sex these fish since females are less brightly colored and have a blunt genital papilla. Remove the most obvious “couple” to the breeding tank. That’s a key thing to keep in mind, and why you should opt for larger tanks with these fish! This fish is very hardy, both in the wild and in the commercial trade. Provide fine gravel or sand in the aquarium because firemouth cichlids do like to di… They are even found in portions of the United States and Puerto Rico, frequently discovered in places like Florida, Hawaii, and Arizona. Firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a freshwater breed in the Cichlidae family that is native to Central America and South America. It has also been reported to live in cave systems. The recommended tank size for firemouth cichlids is a minimum of 30 gallons. Like many (or rather, most) cichlids, the firemouth cichlid can be semi-aggressive and tends to become territorial. Is it ok if i put a pair of fire mouth cichlid, blue gauramies and 1-2 pair of molly in same tank. Looking for an exciting new addition to your freshwater aquarium? While a single Firemouth Cichlid can be housed in 15 gallons, you need to drastically increase the volume of water when you add additional fish. Where the species comes from: Central America. You can make a basic flake or pellet food the center of your Firemouth Cichlid’ diet, and then add occasional live or frozen foods as treats. They are excellent parents to young fry, which is a characteristic that you won’t find in many other species of fish. But during breeding time the parents may become aggressive. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Firemouth Cichlid Appearance And Behavior, Firemouth Cichlid Tank And Water Requirements, Breeding And Life Spans Of Firemouth Cichlid, The Ideal Size Requirements For Your Betta Fish Tank, How To Clean A Fish Tank – Complete Guide, How To Safely And Naturally Lower The pH Of Your Aquarium, The Damselfish Is The Omnivorous Fish You Need To Raise Now, Best Filters for Turtle Tanks 2021 – Top 10 Ultimate Reviews, Otocinclus Catfish- The Easiest Cleaner Fish You Can Raise, The Ultimate Guide To Setup And Maintaining Your Turtle Tank. When growing plants in your tank, consider playing them round the outer edges of the tank. Firemouth Cichlid Tank Mates. Like the betta fish it intimidates the opponent. Firemouth Cichlids are peaceful ninety percent of the time, but will become aggressive when they are spawning. A 50-gallon water tank is good for keeping a group of cichlids. A hardy and resilient fish, it is peaceful under most circumstances – although the Firemouth Cichlid is known for being aggressive when it feels its territory is being encroached upon. Plants should be hardy, like Sagittaria, and potted with their root surfaces protected. Males offer magnificent display during spawning or as acts of territorial behavior. There is debate within the aquarium community whether feeding cichlids live foods causes more aggression. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Males are also larger than females. Parasites and bacterial or fungal diseases are the most common issues to befall Firemouth Cichlids. If you are lucky enough to obtain a … To add color for starts you could quadruple the amount of neon's, they are awesome in large schools! There is red edging along their dorsal fins, while the pelvic and anal fins are edged in black. Raise the group of six in the community tank. Use our fish community creator tool to plan your tank set up and ensure that the Firemouth Cichlid is the right fish for your … One of the most common issues is ich, which causes white spots on the fins and gills of these fish. In order to view this spawning and parenting behavior, you’ll need to have sand and flat rocks in your aquarium. Firemouth Cichlids don’t care much about the lighting conditions you provide in your tank. Prime by feeding the pair live foods several times a day. They are especially interesting to watch during the spawning season. Depending on where a Firemouth Cichlid lives, it can have different colorations. These aren’t nano fish, so they need a little bit of room to swim. Males will have bright orange or red coloring on the bottoms of their heads (around the gills). Each piece of equipment has options that can fit every budget. The main problems with a breeding project involves acquiring a breeding pair as aggression will be shown by more than one male housed in the same aquarium. After hatching, the fry will be placed in protective pits dug into the sand. Either way, this is a serious commitment to make. Btw don't listen to the gay fish clerks at pet smart … Firemouth Cichlids are the ideal fish in a community aquarium with tank mates of a similar size. Despite this behavior, the fire-engine red fish is a great choice for beginning fish keepers, as it requires very little special attention or care. Fry can be fed newly-hatched brine shrimp, infusoria, finely crushed flakes, and powdered pellets. They occur in rivers of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, south through Belize and into northern Guatemala. However, keep in mind that not all Firemouth Cichlids will display the same vibrant coloration. Firemouth Cichlid Information: The Thorichthys meeki, or Firemouth cichlid, is one the most popular cichlid in the aquarium trade. 2. In tanks firemouths cichlid max size is about 6 inches or 15 cm (males) while in the wild it is a bit smaller. Salinity should be about ten percent of that which is normal in a saltwater or seawater tank. Nevertheless, this fish is incredibly popular in the fishkeeping world and is bred commercially as well as harvested from the wild. The fire mouth cichlid needs to be housed in a large tank with plenty of space to swim and hide. Firemouth Cichlids are relatively easy to breed, requiring no specific water conditions in order to do so. If … Once the eggs have been laid and fertilized, the parents will guard the eggs until they hatch into fry. One unique feature of the Firemouth Cichlid is that it is monogamous. And even though it is one … The Firemouth Cichlid can be extremely hardy and will tolerate a wide range of water parameters.