Firemouth Cichlid

Thorichthys meeki is native to the Yucatan Peninsula rivers of Mexico and the rivers of Guatemala and Belize. It is named for the vivid red-orange colouration on the throat and lower body, which the fish expands dramatically when displaying by extending its gill covers. Males are slightly larger with more pointed fins. It is one of the most commonly kept Central American cichlids and has been in the hobby for well over a century, making it an excellent introduction to the group.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderate hardness (GH 8–18). Tank: 200L minimum for a pair; sandy substrate for sifting; provide caves and flat rocks for spawning. Feeding: Omnivore; quality pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter. Behaviour: Semi-aggressive; uses gill-flare bluffing displays; one of the least destructive CA cichlids. Compatibility: Can be mixed with similarly sized robust cichlids; excellent beginner cichlid for community setups.