Family: Cichlidae
Firemouth — a Cichlidae from Central America, feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Reaches 12.8–18.7 cm; pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines. 26–30 °C.
Thorichthys meeki is a Cichlidae from Central America. In the wild it prefers lakes and slow rivers with structure; in the aquarium it stays feisty around breeding time. Plan on 12.8–18.7 cm of adult fish at 26–30 °C. In a community tank it pairs well with Other cichlids of similar size and temperament.
Difficulty: moderate. Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines.
Set the heater to 26–30 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.
Full size is 12.8–18.7 cm. Minimum tank: 420 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Hearty eater; feed pellets with regular vegetable matter. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Yes, with care. Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance — pair it with Other cichlids of similar size and temperament — Balance aggression across the tank and skip Delicate planted-tank species — Uprooted and outcompeted.
Native to Central America, where it lives in lakes and slow rivers with structure. Still to gentle current; Moderate.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
Both parents guard eggs and fry for weeks. Often striking; males larger and brighter.