Thorichthys meeki
The firemouth is a classic Central American cichlid named for the bright red-orange gill and throat display used in threat and courtship. Less extreme than convicts for many community setups but still territorial when breeding. Pairs dig pits and defend a territory around wood or rock. Hardy and adaptable; accepts standard cichlid foods. Good choice for medium-sized Central American biotopes with robust tankmates of similar size. Open spawners on hard surfaces; both parents guard fry.
Cichlid pellets; frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, or mysis; vegetable matter; feed variety for colour.
Frequency: 1–2× daily
Throat colour intensifies with good health and dominance status.
Native Region: Central America (Yucatán peninsula, Guatemala, Belize)
Slow streams, sinkholes, and vegetated margins with leaf litter.
Sand or fine gravel; driftwood and rocks for territory; plants that tolerate digging.
Activity Level: Moderate
Displays firemouth when threatened or courting; can bully smaller fish in small tanks.
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Egg layer
Sexual Dimorphism: Males often longer fins and more intense throat colour; females rounder when gravid.
Flat rock or slate spawning; pit digging; parents herd fry; separate overly aggressive pairs.
Substrate: Sand
Plant Safe: Yes
Territory along wood piles; leave swimming room for displays.
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