Firemouth Meeki Cichlid – Thorichthys meeki

The Firemouth Meeki Cichlid is a vibrant freshwater fish known for its striking coloration, featuring a bright orange-red throat and belly contrasted by a blue and green body. This species is popular among aquarists for its bold appearance and interesting behavior.

Description:

Common Name: Firemouth Meeki Cichlid

Scientific Name: Thorichthys meeki

Family: Cichlidae

Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)

Temperament: Semi-aggressive, especially during breeding.

Difficulty: Moderate

Native Region:

Native to the freshwater rivers and lakes of Central America, particularly in Mexico and Guatemala, where they inhabit areas with rocky substrates and dense vegetation.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons

Temperature: 75-82F (24-28C)

pH: 6.5-8.0

Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Substrate: Fine gravel or sand with plenty of rocks, caves, and plants for hiding.

Additional Tips:

Social Behavior: Males can be territorial, especially during breeding; provide plenty of hiding spots to reduce aggression.

Compatibility: Best kept with larger, similarly sized fish. Suitable tank mates include larger tetras, barbs, and other peaceful cichlids.

Diet: Omnivorous; feed high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp for optimal health.