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Thorichthys Meeki (firemouth); *cichlid
Topic Started: Nov 17 2005, 07:31 PM (476 Views)
grokz
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Scientific Name Thorichthys meeki

Common Name Firemouth Cichlid

Habitat Rivers in Mexico and Guatemala

Size 150mm(6in)

Diet Bloodworms and shrimps are favourite foods for Firemouths, although they will accept a wide range of prepared foods in the aquarium.

Sex differences Males are more colourful then females, have larger extensions to the dorsal and anal fins, and are often seen blowing out their throat and gill membranes in breeding displays.

Aquarium compatibility The Firemouth cichlid is one of the first species from central American group to be encountered by fishkeepers. To aquariusts used to the aggressive behaviour of larger Cichlisoma, this small species would appear a peaceful fish. In a general community aquarium, however, aquarists would consider the Firemouth cichlid a bully; it is capable of consuming smaller tropical fishes. It is suited to the smaller aquarium and, when adult, can be kept with larger Central American cichlids.

Aquarium breeding A spawning pair show a intensification of colour, with the male developing a particualy bright red throat and belly-hence the common name. Once an area has been selected, the male defends the territory, chasing of all other fishes while he impresses the female with his 'peacock' style of display, which involves blowing out his gills and displaying his fins. The actual spawning site(usually a rock surface)is cleaned and protected by the pair, and then up to 500 eggs are produced by the female and fertilized once by the male. Once hatched, the fry are kept in hollows dug out by the pair until they are free swimming and capable of following the adults. The fry can be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp and powdered flake food. This, together with the cloud of chewed food the parents spit out after feeding, should see them safely through the 14-21 day stage, when they should be removed to a seperate aquarium for growing on.

Minimum tank size 2foot long minimum for 1 pair.

Temperature 24-28 degrees celcius.

PH 7.0-7.2

Tank setup A well planted tank with some driftwood to hide in.

Tank mates Medium sized Central American cichlids or community fish.
grokz

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