Firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki)

Scientific name: Thorichthys meeki Brind, 1918

The Firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 26–30°C (79–86°F). Native range: Central America, Atlantic slope, in the Usumacinta River drainage, the Belize River drainage, and near Progreso, in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.

Firemouth cichlid care at a glance

Temperature: 26–30°C (79–86°F)

Biology

Prefers lower and middle sections of rivers in slow moving waters. Lives in mud-bottomed and sand-bottomed canals and rocky ponds. Stays close to the shoreline vegetation for protection. Omnivorous, but feeds mainly on algae. Used in behavioral studies. Aquarium keeping: minimum aquarium size 100 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Thorichthys meeki
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 17.0
Common length: 6.1
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 10 benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Central America: Atlantic slope, in the Usumacinta River drainage, the Belize River drainage, and near Progreso, in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm