fire mouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) 8cm

PH : 6.5 – 7.5Hardness :  Moderate KH :  0-10 ppmTemperature : 23 – 30°C  Maximum Size : 15CMDiet : OmnivoreLifespan : 8 yearsAggression Level : Low (3-4) Aggressive whilst breeding RecommendedRegion : South America The Firemouth Cichlid is often recommended as a great first cichlid for beginners to cichlid keeping. The Firemouth Cichlid can be extremely hardy and will tolerate a wide range of water parameters. Obviously, they are great adapters but try to maintain them at recommended parameters (see below). If you’re interested in this cichlid it should be relatively easy to locate them at a local fish store and since they are so common they should be inexpensive.The Firemouth Cichlid gets to be around 15cm or so as adults. Flat rocks formed into caves can be a good idea and it can help make them feel secure. Keeping them with live plants can be challenging since they sometimes will dig in the substrate. If you’re interested in breeding them, you will need to provide an over turned flower pot, pvc pipe or something similar for them to deposit their eggs in. The Firemouth Cichlid get their common name “firemouth” because of the display of the males in this species around spawning time. They develop a red coloration on the bottom side of the body and can extend the red area under the gills to warn other fish to keep out of their territory. Many hobbyists keep them in tanks with other species but it is recommended that you use caution if you plan on doing the same. While they are not as aggressive as some other cichlids, they can still get territorial around breeding time.The Firemouth cichlid is not picky when it comes to fish food. Flakes, live and frozen foods are taken with gusto. There are many fish foods (pellets, sticks) made especially for cichlids that can be a great source for most of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients they need to thrive.