Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 15 cm. It needs at least 180 litres and 2 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Wassertemperatur
22 - 28 °C
pH-Wert
6.5 - 8
Wassertyp
Süßwasser
Tankfüllstand
Unten und in der Mitte
Erwachsenengröße
15 cm
Mindesttankvolumen
>= 180 L
Mindestgruppe
>= 2
GH
10 - 20 dGH
KH
5 - 10 dKH
TDS
200 - 400 ppm
Leitfähigkeit
313 - 625 uS/cm
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Thorichthys meeki; the verified classification records genus Thorichthys, family Cichlidae, subfamily Cichlasomatinae, order Cichliformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Firemouth Cichlid should be kept as a compatible pair. The minimum reference is 2 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Aquarium Setup: Firemouth Cichlid needs an aquarium of at least 180 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 2 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–8. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is a species to combine with caution, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least 2 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Ursprung
Mittelamerika und Karibik
Fischprofil
- Temperament
- Territorial
- Firemouth Cichlid has a generally territorial temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Diät
- Omnivore
- In the wild, The Firemouth cichlid is an opportunistic omnivore that consumes a wide variety of plant and animal matter. In captivity, they will readily accept high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Supplementing their diet with blanched vegetables or spirulina-based foods will ensure optimal health and coloration.
- Lebenserwartung
- 10-15 years
- Erwachsenengröße
- 15 cm
- Geschlechterverhältnis
- Pair
- Firemouth Cichlid should be kept as a compatible pair. The reference minimum is 2 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Fütterungsfrequenz
- Twice daily
- To maintain optimal digestion, The Firemouth cichlid should be fed small meals once or twice a day. It is important to only offer as much food as they can consume entirely within two to three minutes. Overfeeding can lead to severe water quality issues and potentially fatal digestive blockages.
- Bioload
- Medium to High
- The Firemouth cichlid generates a moderate bioload, requiring a balanced approach to aquarium filtration. Weekly water changes and regular vacuuming of the substrate are recommended to prevent the accumulation of dissolved organics. An appropriately sized canister filter or a well-designed internal filter is often highly beneficial.
- Fluss
- Stagnant
- Originating from moderately flowing streams and rivers, The Firemouth cichlid appreciates a steady but not overpowering water current. The flow should be sufficient to ensure good oxygenation and even temperature distribution throughout the tank. Providing areas of both moderate flow and resting zones with lower flow will allow the fish to choose their preferred environment.
- Sprungrisiko
- No
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- The Firemouth cichlid is a substrate spawner that typically selects a flat rock or a cleaned pit in the gravel to lay their eggs. Both parents are usually heavily involved in guarding the breeding site and fanning the eggs to ensure proper oxygenation. Once the fry hatch, the parents continue to provide dedicated care, aggressively defending their young from any potential threats.
- Kompatibilität & Tankkameraden
- With caution
- The cohabitation profile is a species to combine with caution, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least 2 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Tankfüllstand
- Middle/Bottom
- The Firemouth cichlid primarily occupies the middle and lower strata of the aquarium, rarely visiting the very top unless food is present. They enjoy navigating through dense vegetation, driftwood tangles, and rocky caves near the substrate. Ensure the lower half of the tank is well-decorated to provide them with ample territories and hiding spots.
Wissenschaftliche Modelle & Parameter
FishBase
Zugang zu den offiziellen wissenschaftlichen Daten der Art
FishBase v25.04Daten synchronisiert am: 15.06.2026
- Trophäenniveau
- 2 ± 0 se
- Belastbarkeit
- Hoch (weniger als 15 Monate)
- Phylogenetische Einzigartigkeit (PD50)
- 0.502
- Bayessche Längen-Gewichts-Beziehung
- a = 0.02188, b = 3.05
- AnfälligkeitGeringe Anfälligkeit (10 / 100)
Bildergalerie
Lizenzierte Bilder, die mit der Art oder, wenn markiert, mit dem nächstgelegenen repräsentativen Taxon verknüpft sind.
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