CICHLID – FIREMOUTH
Thorichthys meeki
$7.99 – $49.99
The Firemouth Cichlid is one of the most ubiquitous cichlids in the aquarium trade, with a large distribution across various biotopes throughout Mexico and Central America, however the majority of specimens available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced. A hardy and unfussy cichlid, the Firemouth has a relatively plain body but a fiery red throat in which its name comes from. Males grow larger than females with more pointed dorsal and anal fins, and the red in their throat intensifies substantially during spawning. Aside from these few characteristics, females look similar to males. Firemouths do well in groups of 8 or more individuals, as they are quite gregarious. An adult Firemouth can reach a size of approximately 4.5″.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: No
General Description: The Firemouth Cichlid is one of the most ubiquitous cichlids in the aquarium trade, with a large distribution across various biotopes throughout Mexico and Central America, however the majority of specimens available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced. A hardy and unfussy cichlid, the Firemouth has a relatively plain body but a fiery red throat in which its name comes from. Males grow larger than females with more pointed dorsal and anal fins, and the red in their throat intensifies substantially during spawning. Aside from these few characteristics, females look similar to males. Firemouths do well in groups of 8 or more individuals, as they are quite gregarious. An adult Firemouth can reach a size of approximately 4.5″.
Diet Requirements: Firemouths are primarily benthic omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable and protein based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp that contains spirulina algae and other mixed freshwater preparations. Freeze-dried Tubifex worms are also a favorite. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a pair of Firemouths. A larger group of individuals will require more space, or if the pair is already quite large, size up accordingly. Though they are hardy in nature, Firemouths cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm), as Firemouths do not like high nitrates and deteriorating water parameters. Otherwise, Firemouths are an adaptable species in terms of the aquascape. The aquarium can be decorated with driftwood or other natural looking furnishings to provide some hiding and spawning areas. Firemouths will do best when kept with other Central American species of similar nature and temperament. Groups of other peaceful upper-dwelling fish can also be considered. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 5-25, pH 6.5-8.5.
Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2” to 2”, Medium: 2” to 3”, Large: 3” to 4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.
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