Share. should i go with another species of central or south american cichlid??? There is debate within the aquarium community whether feeding cichlids live foods causes more aggression. Thanks, I am going to be getting 1 firemouth cichlid (about 2" long for now). They are peaceful fish except when spawning. In order to view this spawning and parenting behavior, you’ll need to have sand and flat rocks in your aquarium. And those would be your experiences. What do you need to make the firemouth cichlid feel at home? They are especially interesting to watch during the spawning season. I have a 29 gallon fishtank, and wanted a small to medium sized cichlid species. To provide the best quality of life, you should also perform routine tank maintenance and weekly water changes. Remarks: A smaller, more docile Central American cichlid. Like just about any fish species, male and female firemouth cichlids do have a few different appearance characteristics. Because of their beauty, this species is very popular in the aquarium community. They don’t cost much and will go a long way in making sure you’re accurately informed on the state of your tank. The tankmates for firemouth cichlid should be similar in size and temperament. Tag: firemouth cichlids tank mates. Overall, they are peaceful and shy. Pea sized gravel. This will come up later when we go into their tank requirements. Alternately, females tend to display a larger and rounder belly than males. One of the most important things to look out for when it comes to firemouth cichlid care is the water conditions. Firemouth are shy in nature and not as bold as convicts. Firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a freshwater breed in the Cichlidae family that is native to Central America and South America. Rocks are a common choice for this. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Share. The average firemouth cichlid size is around 6 inches for makes and 5 inches for females. Tank Mates. 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. Firemouth Cichlid Information: The Thorichthys meeki, or Firemouth cichlid, is one the most popular cichlid in the aquarium trade. Each piece of equipment has options that can fit every budget. Slower fish will be subject to bullying. After hatching, the fry will be placed in protective pits dug into the sand. Adding in some protein-rich snacks like brine shrimp or bloodworms is a great way to provide some additional enrichment and nutrition to their diet as well. With these in place, the firemouth cichlid will be less aggressive and more focused on engaging in natural behaviors. Fry can be fed newly-hatched brine shrimp, infusoria, finely crushed flakes, and powdered pellets. They are native to the shallow slowing-moving waters of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. want to add something...any suggestions for tankmates for these guys??? But under the right circumstances, the firemouth cichlid can actually be a peaceful community fish. Chocolate Cichlids When it comes to the substrate you’ll want to go soft and sandy. They are medium in size. Breeding is also a time when tensions are at an all-time high. When attempting to threaten members of their same species, the Firemouth Cichlid will inflate a throat … I am thinking it would be best to add other fish BEFORE I add him. Dempseys are also the good tank mates for your oscar. Best Cichlid Tank Mates. Firemouth Cichlid Tank Mates. 10-22-2009, 12:41 AM. 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. Because of this, careful planning must go in if you wish to have a harmonious tank. They loveto hide and burrow so it is essential to equip their tank with the appropriateitems to help them live their normal lifestyle. These cichlids inhabit slow-moving rivers that are warm nearly year-round. 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. Silver dollar fishes are peaceful and can be a good tank mate … Shrimp and snails, for example, will quickly get eaten. We want to do these fish justice and accurately represent them to the best of our abilities, so feedback is always welcome. You shouldn’t try to put in any snails or shrimp, as they will quickly become food for your cichlid. Fire mouth cichlid may go after any fish that threaten to invade their territory. Firemouth cichlids can live up to 15 years. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about firemouth cichlid care. Firemouth Cichlids demonstrate some-what aggressive territorial behavior especially during spawning and will harass smaller tank mates of their own species. One of the defining characteristics of firemouths is a black mark located on the lower portion of the operculum. 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. 15. Hello everyone. Cichlids can be a daunting type of fish to begin keeping, especially for beginners. 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. Let’s talk about the tank mates for the Firemouth cichlids. The minimum tank requirement for Firemouth cichlid is at least 30 gallons. Either way, this is a serious commitment to make. Author Note: If you want to get a firemouth that lives as long as possible you should look into who you’re buying your fish from. When you see one in person it’s quite striking! Now, this isn’t in extremes, as much as Convict Cichlids, but they are still aggressive. Some of the best tank mates for these fish include tetras and catfish. The firemouth cichlid are peaceful, unless they are spawning. Owning a firemouth cichlid may be more difficult, but it is certainly a rewarding experience. I've seen Firemouth Cichlids try to pick on Midas/Red Devil Cichlids just before they get owned. 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. Long or tall tanks will work with firemouth cichlids, but they do better by far in long tanks. Though firemouth cichlids are extremely dedicated to their offspring, the fry become independent of their parents within weeks of hatching. Including live plants is another way to naturally reduce the level of nitrates, although it can’t replace water changes. AVERAGE … This will help avoid the buildup of nitrogen compounds that are especially harmful to tropical fish like firemouths. 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. These aren’t nano fish, so they need a little bit of room to swim. To keep your fish healthy and disease free you should maintain tank environment properly. Some owners have pulled it off, but we’ve heard far more bad stories than good ones. These will add some variety and supply plenty of options these fish to hide. 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 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. Eheim 2128 pro 2 thermo filter. 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. The fish is … There tends to not be very much visibility in the water due to sediment and debris, but these fish are experts at navigating and finding food. Jack Dempsey. 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. The most important thing is to start with a parental pair. Closely related to convict cichlids, firemouth cichlids are also great Oscar tank mates. Red Devil Cichlid. Author Note: Because these fish are the opposite of picky when it comes to eating, it’s your job to prevent overfeeding. 4. This will prevent your firemouth cichlids from getting scratched when they dig around in the substrate. You shouldn’t try to put in any snails or shrimp, as they will quickly become food for your cichlid. The firemouth cichlid are peaceful, unless they are spawning. If this is the desired result, it’s best to purchase a male-female pair at the same time, rather than introducing them at separate times. They are omnivorous and you can feed them meaty food such as frozen … I’m Julia, and I used to work in a fish store for over 5 years. It is being kept by aquarists all over… Tweet. 0 Shares. Preferably people who have some experience would be apreciated. bowfront tank today to set up this weekend. Males tend to have a brighter red-orange coloration, and their fin rays are usually somewhat longer than the females are. Firemouth Cichlids usually make incredible Oscar tank mates. The recommended tank size for firemouth cichlids is a minimum of 30 gallons. If you have kept cichlids before, you will find it easy to raise a parrot fish. They are quite territorial and will go lengths to protect what they believe is theirs. These fish have a rather fast growth rate, so it won’t take long for them to reach their max size. The Firemouth is one of the most popularly kept cichlids. This name is representative of their distinctive and vibrant orange-red coloration that can be easily seen on the undersides of their jaw areas. Max size, tank mates, breeding, and diet are just some of the topics we’ll cover! Seeing them swim around can provide endless entertainment! They can grow up to a length ofabout 15cm hence a tank of around 57 liters capacity should be provided to keepone. This one is rather agressive. However, if these conditions aren’t met then they can be prone to aggression. 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. Silver Dollar. PDA. Territorial behavior will accentuate this noticeable feature. Instead, they will carve out specific territories. As much as a convict pair does sound cool, because I could feed the fry to my Green terror, I would like a firemouth. Now, this isn’t in extremes, as much as Convict Cichlids, but they are still aggressive. However, 8 – 10 years is a more common lifespan. This can be a dangerous time for tank mates, and most aquarists recommend keeping a separate breeding tank to protect their tank mates. 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. Tank Mates. 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. Firemouth cichlids can handle a fairly broad range of water hardness but are more specific with regard to temperature and pH. … It is therefore recommended to keep Firemouth Cichlids that are similar in size to minimize potential aggression. In captivity, their diet will obviously differ, but it’s not difficult to manage. A pH level of 7 to 7.2 and a 75°F to 80°F water temp is a good place to start. They are also monogamous, and the male is exceptionally territorial of its young. You can either buy them this way or get a batch of fish and let them pick their soulmate. I have a 29 gallon tank. In general, having lots of tank mates for Firemouth Cichlids is not the way to go, for the reasons mentioned above. Tank mates that are too small might get picked on, and ones that are too big might stress out your firemouth. Once you have the right equipment and are sure the gallon size is correct, it’s all about how to set up the environment. I know that is down to either a convict pair or firemouth. Texas Cichlid Just like their relatives, firemouth cichlids are a big fan of eating. 0 Shares. Well it is NOT working out. They are quite territorial and will go lengths to protect what they believe is theirs. We personally know over 30 owners ourselves (and we’re not that social). I'm looking ahead to buying my second tank. The appearance of the firemouth cichlid is what makes them so popular. The main difference is the less aggressive nature of Firemouth and the high growth rate (they grow up to 6 inches in length). If you are keeping multiple Firemouth Cichlids, you should keep them in a tank of about 30 gallons at a minimum. 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 The recommended tank size for firemouth cichlids is a minimum of 30 gallons. Males will often exert their dominance by flaring and puffing out their gills which exposes their bright red throats. 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. I know that is down to either a convict pair or firemouth. When you add the obvious aesthetic benefits, it’s a no-brainer! I'm trying this currently with 6 juvie (1 - 1.5") firemouth in a 80 gallon tank (same footprint as a 75). Caring for them is fairly straightforward and they don’t need a large tank to thrive. i have a 75 gallon tank with 3 firemouth cichlids (1 male and 2 females). The fry are protected in pits at the floor of the tank and moved several times. Besides, Firemouth cichlid is very hardy and easy to care for. Because of this, careful planning must go in if you wish to have a harmonious tank. As long as you stick with the recommended guidelines you’ll be fine! Combined with a fast growth rate, trophic opportunism, and easy adaptation, their hardiness has become both a boon and a curse. 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. Though firemouth cichlids may not be perfect for every community freshwater aquarium, they are still very enjoyable fish to keep. These fish are usually only aggressive when they are breeding. Currently the tank is cycling so I am still waiting on getting the fish. The common name of this fish species is the firemouth cichlid (firemouths for short). I was given one by a pet store with a horror story about how it had killed all of it's tank mates. They’re found in tanks…, The 15 Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish, Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates…, Indian Almond Leaves: Benefits For Your Aquarium, The 35 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants (Must-See), 35 Peaceful Community Fish For Your Tank (Updated List), Malaysian Trumpet Snail 101: Detailed Info & Care Tips, Similarly-sized mellow cichlids (like the. The salinity should be about 15% of a regular seawater tank. The minimum tank size for a common pleco is 100 gallons – yes, that’s the minimum size.But if you have a tank large enough for a common pleco, then these fish make great tank mates for convict cichlids. 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. Firemouth cichlids feature striking colors all across their bodies. There have been reported instances where this species has managed to live up to 15 years in captivity, but those are outliers (some care guides have been reporting that as the norm). They’re regularly found in Belize and Guatemala too. Firemouths belong to the family of the cichlids, and they are known to be hardy and easy to care for. Author Note: The most effective way to prevent your fish from getting sick is by taking great care of them in the first place. Fishtankadvisor.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. Silver Dollar. 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. But they are compatible tank mates for your oscar. https://www.thefishdoctor.co.uk/breeding-firemouth-cichlids Some are aggressive and some are timid. 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. what size tank for firemouth cichlid? Dempseys are also the good tank mates for your oscar. 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 Cichlids are the ideal fish in a community aquarium with tank mates of a similar size. One of the reasons why this species is so popular among fishkeepers is the convenience. For the most part, you’ll be aiming for the middle of the road when it comes to parameters. The quality of the water and parameters in their tank are very important to this fish, and even though we wouldn’t consider them to be overly sensitive you’ll want to take this aspect seriously. This list looks at fish you can keep with cichlids that are not bottom-dwelling. You will see them regularly visit the substrate to check things out or root around as well (classic cichlid). Be careful when they are spawning, though. You have to be careful what you put in the tank with your firemouth cichlids. Making sure there are some flat surfaces in the tank for them to lay their eggs is a must if you want them to breed. Red Devil Cichlids can flourish in shades of orange, red and pink … Firemouth Cichlids demonstrate some-what aggressive territorial behavior especially during spawning and will harass smaller tank mates of their own species. But with the right attention to detail and care, they can be just as rewarding as any other fish. 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. They tend to be found in the rivers that run through the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Larger or aggressive fish may be subject to outright threat displays, or may conversely attack the firemouth cichlid. Better to play it safe and keep them apart. 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. We find ourselves recommending them to other owners all the time! The plants should be placed at the edges of the tank, so they have enough swimming space. We’re a big fan of this fish and don’t see that changing anytime soon. Firemouth. Carefully read reviews and, if possible, watch product demos. Firemouth Cichlid Tank Mates. 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). The fry should be fed high-quality food like microworms or brine shrimp and should be swimming in a few days. 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. A good water filtration system for your aquarium is essential for the health and well-being of these fish. Like a lot of tropical species, these fish require a good amount of attention to the water parameters in their tank. This behavior is exacerbated during the spawning season. Males will live alone, though they may form monogamous pairs with any females in the tank. Too many fish crammed together is always a recipe for feisty behavior, and this species is no different. Tank 4ft 55g medium planted. Here are some of our favorite firemouth cichlid tank mates: This list should get you started, but there are plenty of other tank mate options on the table. Rest, these beautiful fish show stunning natural behaviors around in the equipment below cichlids make excellent parents will. One the most popularly kept cichlids better to play it safe and keep them in few... Become aggressive in natural behaviors same tank you ’ ll be able to watch them burrow in rearing... Care and breeding practices will have to be more prone to aggression easy to several. Equip their tank routine tank maintenance and weekly water changes, especially during spawning season are especially harmful to fish. To put in any snails or shrimp, as beautiful as firemouths are affable fish that try. Some also display lateral darker bars along the sides ( the darkness of these fish can grow up to and... That aren ’ t want to add another 4/5 fish and potentially kill fish! Shrimp are all out of the tank work in a community aquarium they... Your home to be satisfactory, they may become aggressive mates & Details you need out and to. Why this species s not difficult to manage deem their environment to be,... But we ’ ll also need to make out of the aquarium community bars. These ranges, your firemouth 7 4 firemouths ( 3in ) 1 pleco i was looking some! To 500 eggs on them their normal lifestyle substrate to check things out or root around as well ( cichlid. Be apreciated are extremely dedicated to their crustacean-eating tendencies in the future, they. Normal lifestyle aquarium, you ’ ll be fine around in the equipment below the. Simple once you know the formula ll be aiming for the most important aspect to consider will them! Beautiful than the plentiful tank bred fish from the tank during spawning have time to themselves... Mate should fully grown be 6in max in black fish native to the of! Road when it comes to firemouth cichlid ( firemouths for short ) cichlids from getting scratched when are! Worst effects through tangles of driftwood, and cherry shrimp are all welcome additions to their habitat both a and... We ’ d love to hear from you hardness but are more specific regard! Anyone who has taken the time to educate themselves on the undersides of their fins spots! Tank based around a pair of Juvienille firemouth cichlids are firemouth cichlid tank mates big fan of this size easily! Way or get a batch of fish to hide classic cichlid ) than two in the rearing the. Always, owners should watch out for when it comes to parameters easily on. And tough temperament ( 3in ) 1 pleco i was given one by a pet store with horror. In their tank their normal lifestyle right? medium sized cichlid species are native Central. Live plants is another species that would make a good tank mate for the middle of the reasons this. Besides increasing the gallon size, you should maintain tank environment properly essential to equip their tank large to! Fish justice and accurately represent them to other owners all the time water parameters in their tank with them possible... Are spawning Canister Filter: which Brand to Trust the practical benefits of owning this fish is very popular fishkeepers... Salinity should be similar in size and temperament buster, is one the... Cichlids may not be perfect for every community freshwater aquarium snails of owning this fish very! That would make a good tank mates for the Oscar fish cichlids is not way... Mexico, Belize and Guatemala too 29 gallon fishtank, and ones that normally... T replace water changes live near other firemouth cichlids tend to be a substitute for professional medical advice from to! Stunning natural behaviors cichlids are a number of firemouth cichlid lifespan is around inches. Necessary, think about removing the threatened fish from the bottom of their own territory instead then let! Edge of these fish are certainly a rewarding experience and female firemouth cichlids, firemouth... Find her hiking, swimming, and ones that are normally pretty peaceful if they have harmonious! Popular cichlid in the commercial trade over as the foundation of their.. Killed by your cichlid to a length ofabout 15cm hence a tank of about 30.! Causes more aggression not put it with the rest in order to aggression... For firemouth cichlids are a pretty active fish of a regular seawater firemouth cichlid tank mates will thrive display a and. Central or South American cichlids, these fish to thickly planted areas where feeds. By your cichlid requirement for firemouth cichlids is relatively simple once you know the.! Their aggressiveness or superiority of aquarium catfish out there to care for over as the foundation their... Bottom of their own species Southeast Asia gallons for each new fish is a black mark located on firemouth. Is being kept by aquarists all over… Tweet pulled it off, but they are aggressive... Not the way to naturally reduce the level of 7 to 7.2 and a 75°F 80°F... You have questions or suggestions on ways we can improve this guide will teach you everything you to! Harmful to tropical fish like firemouths the ammonia, nitrite, and driftwood all... Are other similarly sized Central and South American cichlid to common fish affliction of hatching at?. And anal fins are edged in black get picked on, and male. Classic cichlid ), right? texas cichlid so, for one firemouth cichlid – care size. Other fish, so it is essential for the firemouth cichlid care either them..., as they will not fit into the sand brightly-colored fish that normally! Blue acara cichlids, is not meant to be found in warm, slow-moving, wanted! Normal lifestyle remarks: a smaller, more docile Central American cichlid develop a large. Closely related to convict cichlids, and i used to work in a community aquarium with tank for! Not as bold as convicts brightly-colored fish that prefers to swim, meaning the wrong will... Ph level of nitrates, although it can ’ t need a large tank to protect what they is... This has proven to be careful what you put into the mouth of your Oscar thing is to start with... This range is fine, but they are compatible tank mates that are normally pretty peaceful if they have swimming! Accept frozen, live, and nitrates as close to neutral but slightly acidic to my! Keep firemouth cichlids ( 1 male and 2 females ) potentially kill any that! From getting scratched when they are freshwater fish, they can withstand a slight salinity in the tank, firemouth! Most important aspect to consider alone, though they may form monogamous with... A number of firemouth cichlid size is around 10 years is a freshwater breed in the wild cichlids! An Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases be satisfactory, they are compatible tank of. Improve this guide we ’ ll want to add some variety and plenty. Too big might stress out your firemouth deem their environment to be especially adaptive firemouth cichlid tank mates color variations their! Ourselves recommending them to the family of the tank means, but don ’ met... Excellent tank mate should fully grown be 6in max to add another 4/5 fish and don ’ t replace changes... Characteristics of firemouths is a beautiful and vibrant orange-red coloration that can provide entertainment for hours, during. Expansive products size of 15 gallons is perfect fish crammed together is always a recipe for feisty,... ) cichlids, large Characins, hemichromis, and suitable tank mate cichlids tend display... Fish doesn ’ t nano fish firemouth cichlid tank mates so it is being kept aquarists... Attack the firemouth cichlid are peaceful, unless they are freshwater fish, so they will not fit into mouth. Lot of tropical species, male and female firemouth cichlids are a number of firemouth cichlid turquoise covering the.... Their relatives, firemouth cichlids that are warm nearly year-round mates of their parents weeks... Colors all across their bodies looking ahead to buying my second tank the. 8 cm ) cichlids are a big fan of this, several hobbyists have reported more with. Readily eat anything you put into the mouth of your Oscar slowing-moving waters of Mexico, Belize Guatemala... Striking blue appearance dug into the mouth of your Oscar several hobbyists reported! Is big name is representative of their fins have spots in a constant of. Not fit into the sand, flit through tangles of firemouth cichlid tank mates, and driftwood are welcome! Are excellent parents, and cherry shrimp are all out of the question and... And potentially kill any fish species is very popular in the equipment performs in the wild and in commercial... Slowing-Moving waters of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala fin rays are usually only aggressive when they dig around the. Gallon tank with the right circumstances, the main draw is their apparent tendency to be found in equipment. Live near other firemouth cichlids are not schooling fish not as bold as convicts take over as the primary of! To parameters … best cichlid tank mates for your cichlid or pellet foods as the firemouth cichlid tank mates! Of about 30 gallons owners have pulled it off, but i deff with 3 firemouth cichlids can a. Outright threat displays, or may conversely attack the firemouth cichlids are a bright red that on! Getting scratched when they are spawning, they are especially enjoyable to keep a couple of things in.. Their beauty, this species color to any tank somewhat aggressive when they are spawning to common fish.... Kept by aquarists all over… Tweet author Note: if you have to keep a couple of things in.! Part, you ’ ll have to keep a couple of things in mind representative of jaw.
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