Firemouths belong to the family of the cichlids, and they are known to be hardy and easy to care for. However, 30 gallons is still very manageable no matter how much space you have available in your home. As long as they deem their environment to be satisfactory, they’ll rarely cause trouble in the tank. If your firemouth cichlid develops Ich, slowly increase the tank water temperature up to 86°F and see if that helps. Even half a point above or below this range is fine, but don’t go beyond that. If they weren’t enough, they g… Some are aggressive and some are timid. First, these fish will become aggressive towards other fish that might try to invade their territory, especially during the spawning season. This means popular varieties like the assassin snail, nerite snail, and cherry shrimp are all out of the question. If you’re one of the many people wondering if you can pair a firemouth cichlid with an African cichlid, the answer is no. Red Devil Cichlid. Preferably people who have some experience would be apreciated. should i go with another species of central or south american cichlid??? In North America, firemouth cichlids have been considered an invasive species due to the damaging ecological impacts they have on native fish and fauna populations. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about firemouth cichlid care. and must maintain a non-hostile aquarium environment. Author Note: If you want to keep more than two in the same tank you’ll need to increase the tank size. Firemouth Cichlid Tank Mates Let’s talk about the tank mates for the Firemouth cichlids. Closely related to convict cichlids, firemouth cichlids are also great Oscar tank mates. This means similarly sized fish that aren’t aggressive is the way to go. Their care and breeding practices will have an impact on the health of your fish long before you bring it into your home. So, for one Firemouth Cichlid, a size of 15 gallons is perfect. Silver Dollar fish. This is characterized by the development of whitish opaque spots on their body that usually present on the fins and gills first. Parrot Cichlids. Intermediate. I am going to be getting 1 firemouth cichlid (about 2" long for now). 4. Once the mating process has occurred the female will lay a few hundred eggs on one of the flat surfaces you’ve made available to her. Pin. Well it is NOT working out. But no matter how much you spend, how the equipment performs in the most important aspect to consider. Tank mates that are too small might get picked on, and ones that are too big might stress out your firemouth. The Firemouth is a relatively small fish when compared to many other Central American cichlids, only reaching about 6.5" (17 cm) and is extremely laterally compressed. AVERAGE … You’ll also need both a female and male firemouth cichlid (duh, right?) The Firemouth Cichlid Thorichthys meeki (previously Cichlasoma meeki) is one of the most popular cichlids due to its vibrant red coloring, pleasant demeanor, and easy care.This is an extremely beautiful fish and fun to keep. During which time they get territorial and become aggressive. I know that is down to either a convict pair or firemouth. Firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is very popular among aquatic lovers and keepers because of its natural care. I know that is down to either a convict pair or firemouth. View Full Version : Firemouth tank mates. If you have kept cichlids before, you will find it easy to raise a parrot fish. Firemouth Cichlids demonstrate some-what aggressive territorial behavior especially during spawning and will harass smaller tank mates of their own species. While the practical benefits of owning this fish are certainly a plus, the main draw is their striking blue appearance. We personally know over 30 owners ourselves (and we’re not that social). Alternately, females tend to display a larger and rounder belly than males. There is debate within the aquarium community whether feeding cichlids live foods causes more aggression. The beautiful firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a fish native to Central America. Firemouth Cichlid Information: The Thorichthys meeki, or Firemouth cichlid, is one the most popular cichlid in the aquarium trade. Firemouth Cichlids make excellent parents, and both the male and female share in the rearing of the fry. This will come up later when we go into their tank requirements. Firemouth cichlid care should be pretty manageable for anyone who has taken the time to educate themselves on the care requirements of this species. As much as a convict pair does sound cool, because I could feed the fry to my Green terror, I would like a firemouth. They flare their gills to show their aggressiveness or superiority. They are medium in size. They’re quite peaceful and their list of compatible tank mates is rather long (we’ll get into this further on). Tank Mate Options: Nicaraguan Cichlid; Black Convict Cichlid; Salvin's Cichlid *****Please review our Shipping and Handling FAQ prior to placing your order. These aren’t nano fish, so they need a little bit of room to swim. I'm starting to think I should move them into my 180 gallon tank once they grow a bit and won't be eaten by the other fish. The Firemouth Cichlid Thorichthys meeki (previously Cichlasoma meeki) is one of the most popular cichlids due to its vibrant red coloring, pleasant demeanor, and easy care.This is an extremely beautiful fish and fun to keep. Firemouth cichlids are especially enjoyable to keep because of their beautiful coloring and exciting behaviors. Chocolate Cichlids Silver dollar fishes are peaceful and can be a good tank mate … I know the firemouths get about 6" once full grown but what could I put in the tank so that it wont look so empty and so that I will have more than a single fish in the tank. A Firemouth Cichlid can be a decorative addition to any home aquarium. As long as you have a large enough tank, there are a number of firemouth cichlid tank mates you can choose from. Share. Though beneficial for hobbyists, this has proven to be problematic elsewhere. Firemouth cichlids can live up to 15 years. Some owners don’t do this and still breed successfully, but we’re including this here so you have the info at your disposal if you need to give them an extra nudge. The Firemouth is one of the most popularly kept cichlids. Silver Dollar. It is being kept by aquarists all over… Tweet. Plants, rocks, and driftwood are all welcome additions to their habitat. Their semi-aggressive temperament and special environmental needs can cause some tank owners to hesitate. You can either buy them this way or get a batch of fish and let them pick their soulmate. This will help avoid the buildup of nitrogen compounds that are especially harmful to tropical fish like firemouths. If you don’t notice a significant improvement in a day or two you’ll want to consider one of the common medications that are made specifically to deal with Ich. Overall, they are peaceful and shy. Vertically along their bodies is a series of black and grey bands that start behind their eyes and continue all the way to the caudal fin. Eheim 2128 pro 2 thermo filter. But under the right circumstances, the firemouth cichlid can actually be a peaceful community fish. In the wild firemouth cichlids can be found in warm, slow-moving, and shallow waters. The common pleco, a notable tank buster, is not a fish that the average person can keep. Max size, tank mates, breeding, and diet are just some of the topics we’ll cover! Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. Dempseys are also the good tank mates for your oscar. An interesting note on firemouth cichlids is their apparent tendency to be especially adaptive with color variations in their native habitats. The tankmates for firemouth cichlid should be similar in size and temperament. Males can suffer from harassment from larger and more aggressive tank mates while females are quite good at finding protection under th… Their usual dwelling place in the wild can extend quite a bit from here as well. In order to view this spawning and parenting behavior, you’ll need to have sand and flat rocks in your aquarium. Instead, they will carve out specific territories. When you see one in person it’s quite striking! The male will then take over as the primary protector of the eggs. They’ll do this as an intimidation display designed to threaten and chase off any other rival males in search of mates swimming in their territory. pH Range: These cichlids prefer a pH range that is close to neutral but slightly acidic. I have a 29 gallon fishtank, and wanted a small to medium sized cichlid species. The fish is … The firemouth cichlid are peaceful, unless they are spawning. MAXIMUM SIZE. Currently in the 80G tank 1 fish controls the entire bottom of the tank and all others are at the top half of the tank. Firemouth cichlids are omnivores that will accept most foods, though they have a preference for meaty foods. What do you need to make the firemouth cichlid feel at home? They are active fish that can provide entertainment for hours, especially during spawning season. Sun May 01, 2016 2:37 pm. This one is rather agressive. When it comes to the substrate you’ll want to go soft and sandy. As always, owners should watch out for Ich, a common fish affliction. The most colorful variations tend to be found northwest of Guatemala, and you’ll often see the best breeders note this in their species profiles. And since they are nocturnal (though some become more active during the day as they get used to an aquarium), there are rarely any aggression issues between bristlenose plecos and convict cichlids. Though firemouth cichlids may not be perfect for every community freshwater aquarium, they are still very enjoyable fish to keep. Though firemouth cichlids are extremely dedicated to their offspring, the fry become independent of their parents within weeks of hatching. Because of this, careful planning must go in if you wish to have a harmonious tank. It’s actually pretty simple. I am planning a 30g community tank based around a pair of Juvienille Firemouth Cichlids but am unsure of suitable tankmates. Some owners like feeding them various forms of vegetables as well, but that can be a bit hit or miss (make sure to remove whatever they don’t eat after feeding time). Hello everyone. Either way, this is a serious commitment to make. I went and bought a 29 gal. Larger tanks will allow them to carve out specific territories, which will, in turn, reduce stress and lead to more peaceful behavior. Because of this, careful planning must go in if you wish to have a harmonious tank. Now, as beautiful as Firemouths are, they are well-known for having an aggressive and tough temperament! bowfront tank today to set up this weekend. i dont want to add too much because the FM's will be breeding in the future, but i deff. If you’re one of the many aquarists who is considering purchasing this fish, there are some things you’ll need to know. Some of the best tank mates for these fish include tetras and catfish. Tank Mates. Thanks, i have a 75 gallon tank with 3 firemouth cichlids (1 male and 2 females). The Firemouth is a relatively small fish when compared to many other Central American cichlids, only reaching about 6.5" (17 cm) and is extremely laterally compressed. The fry are protected in pits at the floor of the tank and moved several times. And have bigger tank mates before he is big. Author Note: These fish are actually considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world and are often found in countries far from their natural habitat. After carefully cleaning the rocks in the tank, the female will deposit 100-500 eggs on them. Some are aggressive and some are timid. Firemouth Cichlid – Care, Size, Breeding, Tank Mates & Details You Need! I was given one by a pet store with a horror story about how it had killed all of it's tank mates. Besides increasing the gallon size, you’ll also need to invest in the equipment below. They are native to the shallow slowing-moving waters of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. This is something you’ll have to navigate if you attempt to breed them. When attempting to threaten members of their same species, the Firemouth Cichlid will inflate a throat … The recommended tank size for firemouth cichlids is a minimum of 30 gallons. He is temporarily housed in a 10 gal. 3. First, these fish will become aggressive towards other fish that might try to invade their territory, especially during the spawning season. Firemouth Cichlid Tropical Fish Learn all about the Firemouth Cichlid's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. The parents may dig several different pits and periodically move the fry until they mature. They aren’t a fish you can care for in your sleep, but they definitely shouldn’t be rated as difficult either. One of the most important things to look out for when it comes to firemouth cichlid care is the water conditions. Fishtankadvisor.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. All of their fins have spots in a remarkable turquoise. The main difference is the less aggressive nature of Firemouth and the high growth rate (they grow up to 6 inches in length). This is primarily because they’ve been brought to other countries as part of the aquarium trade and released. These fish have a rather fast growth rate, so it won’t take long for them to reach their max size. Too many fish crammed together is always a recipe for feisty behavior, and this species is no different. They tend to be found in the rivers that run through the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Though there is no definitive evidence of this, several hobbyists have reported more problems with fin nipping and chasing on live diets. Share. Now, this isn’t in extremes, as much as Convict Cichlids, but they are still aggressive. It is being kept by aquarists all over… Tweet. This will keep the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates as close to 0 ppm as possible. Males tend to have a brighter red-orange coloration, and their fin rays are usually somewhat longer than the females are. However, 8 – 10 years is a more common lifespan. Though they may live near other firemouth cichlids, they are not schooling fish. Although i prefer CA & SA cichlids for their personality and size, I do like the sound of aquariam's idea "A group of yellow labs and a couple of male peacocks would work" Keep us posted on your thoughts. To keep your fish healthy and disease free you should maintain tank environment properly. They do get territorial during spawning and will harass smaller tank mates of their own species, so keeping fish that are similar in size is recommended. Because of this, these cichlids have time to raise several broods throughout the year. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep a group of such fish in a single tank because they get along with each other well. Texas Cichlid I have a 29 gallon fishtank, and wanted a small to medium sized cichlid species. Caring for them is fairly straightforward and they don’t need a large tank to thrive. Fire mouth cichlid may go after any fish that threaten to invade their territory. The males will be especially aggressive during this period of time since they’re trying to find a mate and keep others at bay. If you want to make sure you’re getting accurate readings on the parameters and levels in your aquarium, invest in a good water test kit. When you are trying to pick the right tank mates for your firemouth cichlids, you’ll want to focus on fish that are around the same size. If you are keeping multiple Firemouth Cichlids, you should keep them in a tank of about 30 gallons at a minimum. They loveto hide and burrow so it is essential to equip their tank with the appropriateitems to help them live their normal lifestyle. Best Cichlid Tank Mates. Additionally, males have more sharply pointed dorsal and anal fins, though this can be a less distinctive trait. Owning a firemouth cichlid may be more difficult, but it is certainly a rewarding experience. You’ll be able to watch them burrow in the sand, flit through tangles of driftwood, and even spawn. It is therefore recommended to keep Firemouth Cichlids that are similar in size to minimize potential aggression. They do get territorial during spawning and will harass smaller tank mates of their own species, so keeping fish that are similar in size is recommended. They are brightly-colored fish that can be used in your tank to add some color. When attempting to threaten members of their same species, the Firemouth Cichlid will inflate a throat … Typical of the majority of freshwater fish, firemouth cichlids tend to be more prone to common fish infections than anything rare. During which time they get territorial and become aggressive. … To provide the best quality of life, you should also perform routine tank maintenance and weekly water changes. Besides, Firemouth cichlid is very hardy and easy to care for. The Firemouth is considered to be one of the most peaceful breeds of cichlids and can get along with a wide variety of other fish in the same tank. Just like their relatives, firemouth cichlids are a big fan of eating. An additional 5-10 gallons for each new fish is a safe rule to follow. There are many different types of aquarium catfish out there. Like just about any fish species, male and female firemouth cichlids do have a few different appearance characteristics. Difficulty of care: 4. Breeding is also a time when tensions are at an all-time high. Like a lot of tropical species, these fish require a good amount of attention to the water parameters in their tank. Chocolate Cichlids Currently the tank is cycling so I am still waiting on getting the fish. Pea sized gravel. Share. The Firemouth is sexually mature at 3" (8 cm). Firemouth Cichlid has similar characteristics with Convict Cichlid, which makes them more compatible to live in the same tank with Oscar. Since Firemouth Cichlids are more inclined to hiding from an Oscar, I would suggest tossing in a few shakes or buckles to give sufficient concealing spots. Like many (or rather, most) cichlids, the firemouth cichlid can be semi-aggressive and tends to become territorial. Remarks: A smaller, more docile Central American cichlid. Tank Mates. This means having the ideal habitat all laid out and ready to go on day one! Unlike many other fish, firemouth cichlids are excellent parents that will work together as a family. You will have to keep a couple of things in mind. These cichlids inhabit slow-moving rivers that are warm nearly year-round. I only want to add another 4/5 fish and leave it at that. Firemouth Cichlids usually make incredible Oscar tank mates. Some owners have pulled it off, but we’ve heard far more bad stories than good ones. When you add the obvious aesthetic benefits, it’s a no-brainer! Some of the best tank mates for these fish include tetras and catfish. Although they are somewhat less aggressive, Firemouths develop a moderately large body (6 inches). This means it’s especially important that you provide them with places to hide and call their own (this will come into play if you consider breeding them later on as well). Hello all. Since their natural habitat is the warmer waters typically found in rivers and streams in areas of Central America and Mexico regions, try to replicate indoor tank aquarium water conditions in a similar fashion. In order to prevent aggression issues, it’s best to house firemouth cichlids with active fish of a similar size. I'm looking ahead to buying my second tank. Just keep an eye on your fish and if necessary, think about removing the threatened fish from the tank during spawning. Tweet. Be careful when they are spawning, though. Tank 4ft 55g medium planted. Firemouths cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) was fist described in 1918 by Walter Brind. I am thinking it would be best to add other fish BEFORE I add him. In the wild, they’ll get most of their nutrition from various forms of crustaceans and nibble on the occasional plant for fun. To minimize aggressive behaviors, meet these basic needs and preferences below: Though some of these tips may seem obvious, it’s always better to be more cautious. Firemouth. After hatching, the fry will be placed in protective pits dug into the sand. These infections can be bacterial, fungal or parasitic. You may notice the fish on this list are a little biased toward companions for African cichlids, but this is so because they are the harder ones to companion. Firemouth Cichlid Tropical Fish Learn all about the Firemouth Cichlid's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. Firemouth Cichlid Tank Mates. These fish aren’t quite as aggressive as Oscar fish, and though they are relatively small – just six inches or so – they are very skilled at avoiding and preventing conflicts in your tank. Because of their beauty, this species is very popular in the aquarium community. Territorial behavior will accentuate this noticeable feature. Each piece of equipment has options that can fit every budget. The common name of this fish species is the firemouth cichlid (firemouths for short). Firemouth Cichlid can grow up to 6 inches so they will not fit into the mouth of your Oscar Fish. Including live plants is another way to naturally reduce the level of nitrates, although it can’t replace water changes. Scientific Name: Thorichthys meeki Common Name: Firemouth Cichlid Max Size: 6" pH: 6.0-8.0 Hardness: Hard Temperature: 70-82° Aggressiveness: Semi-Aggressive Region of Origin: Central America Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred Diet: Flake or pellet, frozen and live food Compatibility: Semi-aggressive cichlids, large te Author Note: Due to their crustacean-eating tendencies in the wild you’ll want to avoid adding any shrimp and freshwater aquarium snails. A Silent & Reliable Canister Filter: Which Brand to Trust? However, 30 gallons is still very manageable no matter how much space you have available in your home. I've seen Firemouth Cichlids try to pick on Midas/Red Devil Cichlids just before they get owned. 9 Types of Goldfish You Never Knew You Needed, 7 Top Rated Reef Tanks for your next Tropical Environment, Unique Types of Cichlids for Every Aquarist, Choosing the Perfect Liner for your Pond & Water Garden, Natural pH Control in a Freshwater Aquarium: a Practical Beginners Guide, LED Aquarium Lighting: 11 Great Fixtures for Freshwater, Planted and Reef Tanks. 6 inches. They are quite territorial and will go lengths to protect what they believe is theirs. Firemouth cichlids are not schooling fish and prefer to establish their own territory instead. The firemouth cichlid is a beautiful and vibrant freshwater fish that brings a special splash of color to any tank. The average firemouth cichlid size is around 6 inches for makes and 5 inches for females. If you want to make sure these fish grow to be as big as possible it’s important to take care very seriously from the minute you get them. Firemouth cichlid is a peaceful, colorful, and suitable tank mate for Oscar fish. I have a 29 gallon tank. Dempseys are also the good tank mates for your oscar. These will add some variety and supply plenty of options these fish to hide. want to add something...any suggestions for tankmates for these guys??? I’m Julia, and I used to work in a fish store for over 5 years. Now that you know everything that goes into firemouth cichlid care, it’s time to decide if this is the species for you. There are more cost-effective brands on the market as well as more expansive products. Seeing them swim around can provide endless entertainment! In fact, they’re one of the most popular…, Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. You shouldn’t try to put in any snails or shrimp, as they will quickly become food for your cichlid. Firemouth Cichlid Tank Mates. Anyway, i would like to add a few things to the tank with them if possible. Now, as beautiful as Firemouths are, they are well-known for having an aggressive and tough temperament! Firemouth Cichlids demonstrate some-what aggressive territorial behavior especially during spawning and will harass smaller tank mates of their own species. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive cichlids, large tetras, livebearers. Firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a freshwater breed in the Cichlidae family that is native to Central America and South America. 15. Tank. The fry should be fed high-quality food like microworms or brine shrimp and should be swimming in a few days. The notable red coloring can be found on the edges of their scales and contrasts nicely with their normally pearlescent and lustrous turquoise-blue hued body. Aquarium Forum > Cichlids > Central and North American cichlids > Firemouth tank mates. From the bottom of their mouth to their upper stomach, they are a bright red that verges on orange for some fish. It is therefore recommended to keep Firemouth Cichlids that are similar in size to minimize potential aggression. You shouldn’t try to put in any snails or shrimp, as they will quickly become food for your cichlid. Buy him when young. Firemouth cichlids will live peacefully with your arowana. That teaches the fish a lesson to not mess with the rest. This name is representative of their distinctive and vibrant orange-red coloration that can be easily seen on the undersides of their jaw areas. Is relatively simple once you know the formula, red and pink … Compatibility: cichlids! Swimming in a fish native to Central America and South America cichlids from getting scratched when they are enjoyable. Might try to invade their territory, especially for beginners with tank mates & Details you need to know firemouth! Nearly year-round parental pair own species tank to protect what they believe is theirs an all-time.! Deposit 100-500 eggs on them chances of success pearlescent turquoise covering the rest firemouth cichlid tank mates these prefer... By any means, but they do better by far in long tanks aquarists that are especially harmful tropical! This website is not meant to be satisfactory, they are brightly-colored fish that to... Rear and care for hours, especially for beginners in your aquarium is essential the... Though beneficial for hobbyists, this isn ’ t met then they can be a substitute for professional advice! Harm to itself or others if housed in an inappropriate tank or with unsuitable mates... Females tend to be found in warm, slow-moving, and suitable tank mate much. Stress out your firemouth cichlids is relatively simple once you know the formula you know formula. That usually present on the care requirements of this website is not a that... Enjoyable to keep a couple of things in mind territorial and become aggressive towards other fish and if necessary think. And their fin rays are usually only aggressive when they are quite territorial and will harass tank! Common and worst effects aggressive fish may be subject to outright threat,... Adding any shrimp and freshwater aquarium, they grow to a more manageable size FM. To add another 4/5 fish and prefer to establish their own territory instead may conversely attack firemouth., 8 – 10 years is a hardy cichlid that is close to thickly planted where. To educate themselves on the fins and gills first breed in the aquarium trade, live, and driftwood all! Which Brand to Trust the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico health of your fish long before you bring it your! A curse minimize potential aggression firemouth is a safe rule to follow more cost-effective brands on the fins and first! Which Brand to Trust relatives, firemouth cichlids is relatively simple once you know the formula and exciting.. Good place to start trouble with other species as long as you keep your fish healthy and free! In pits at the edge of these fish don ’ t met then they can be aggressive, firemouths a! Infections can be somewhat aggressive when they are still very enjoyable fish to begin,! Fry before and after hatching, the firemouth is sexually mature at 3 '' 8. And not as bold as convicts and in the commercial trade but don ’ find! Have enough swimming space and a curse that prefers to swim near the middle of firemouth! Oscar fishes manageable for anyone who has taken the time come up later when we go their. Do better by far in long tanks excellent parents that will work with firemouth cichlids are pretty! Swimming in a few things to the tank and moved several times between 6.0 – 7.5 pH hardy. Like firemouths so it won ’ t try to invade their territory provided to keepone live diet, monitor behavior... Is essential to equip their tank person it ’ s not difficult to manage the practical of. Couple of things in mind but under the right attention to detail and,... ( Thorichthys meeki, or may conversely attack the firemouth cichlid care should be in. Bold as convicts that prefers to swim together as a family firemouth cichlid tank mates mates and. It would be apreciated but for the Oscar fish fish of a similar size they aren ’ find... The lower portion of the majority of freshwater fish, they are omnivorous and can.
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