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| Thorichthys meeki (Firemouth Cichlid) |
| Family: |
Cichlidae |
| Maximum Size: |
7.0" (17.0cm) |
| Distribution: |
Atlantic slope of Central America, in the Rio Usumacinta, the Belize River drainage, and Mexico, Guatemala and Belize |
| Temperature Range: |
79-86oF (26-30oC) |
| pH Range: |
6.5 to 7.5 |
| Water Hardness: |
up to 10 dH |
 Thorichthys meeki is anything but meek. Like most cichlids, they are to be kept as a single species tank, or at least with fish of similar size and temperament. This species is usually found in the lower and middle sections of slow-moving rivers. Its natural habitat includes mud or sand-bottomed rivers and rocky ponds. T. meeki uses shoreline vegetation for protection. These fish are omnivorous, but algae makes up the main part of the diet. In a home aquarium, T. meeki should be provided with plenty of space, driftwood, rocks, and a sand or fine gravel substrate. They will eat literally anything you offer them including pelleted foods, flake foods, and fresh or frozen shrimp. Also, they will graze on aquarium plants. Breeding Firemouths is relatively easy. The difficult part is getting a male and female together since this species has no pronounced sexual dimorphism. The easiest method is to raise a group of six or eight and let them pair off naturally. Females lay from 100 to 500 eggs at a time on a flat rock. Both parents will vigirously protect the nest from other fish. |
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