Firemouth Cichlid

COMMON NAME: Firemauth Cichlid.

DESIGNATION: Tropical.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Mexico and northern Guatemala.

SIZE: Males 15 cm (6 in); females 11.5 cm (4.5 in).

WATER PREFERENCES: Alkaline, hardish water preferred but other conditions also tolerated. Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F).

DIET: All foods.

BREEDING: A relatively easily spawned species. It is a substrate spawner which prefers to lay its eggs under cover. Eggs and fry are protected by both parents.

DESCRIPTION: Males may be aggressive towards each other and well-mated pairs may be aggressive to other fish, particularly other Cichlids.

Firemouth Cichlid Information

• The firemouths are generally kept with in tanks that hold of about 5, 10 to 15 galloons of water. The fish can be kept in pairs and you are recommended to keep a pair in a tank that holds not less than 25 gallons of water. If kept in a group of about 6 fish one should arrange for a tank that can hold up to 60 gallons of water. Rearing the fish in a small space would actually make the fish to be prone to diseases, injury and even death because of their fighting nature.
• The firemouth Cichlid is also known as the ideal fish for beginners as the fish is quite hardy in nature. It can tolerate extremes of temperature and chemical compositions of the water. The can survive well in normal tap watered aquariums. Since they are used to the tropical climate they temperature of the water should be around 80 degree F. A slightly warmer water condition has to be ensured to promote successful spawning.
• Unlike other breeds of the family this variety of the cichlid fish is quite shy. It does not generally come out in open space or to gather with other fish to occupy space and food. You must be very careful while introducing the fish in a community tank. Introduce one by one in order to watch carefully the pecking rate of the fish.
• The fish is ideally to be kept in a tank that has a Central American biotope having fish, plants and some invertebrates as well. As companion fish you may keep the tetras, species of cat fish and others that are found in the streams of the countries like Brazil and Mexico.
• The fish breed has been raised in captivity for several decades and as a result of which it has gained the ability to accept a wide variety of fish food items. In captivity the fish generally thrives on the large flakes, pellets, earthworms, blood worms, shrimp and such.
• During the mating season the males attract the females with the aid of their blowing up method. The female breed of the fish is identified by slight plumpy body with a not so elaborate finnage.