Firemouth Cichlid Fish

The Firemouth Cichlid is so named because of the fiery coloration on the under side of the mouth. It has a vivid red throat and belly, starting at the base of the tail and extending to the mouth. The body is generally blue-grey with several black blotches and it has brown fins streaked with blue. There are coloration differences, however, depending on each fishes place of origin.

The Firemouth Cichlid is peaceful with tankmates except when spawning. During breeding they are aggressive towards other fish and especially towards smaller members of their own species.
During spawning, the male Firemouth Cichlid displays an impressive bluff, an aggressive stance where he inflates his fiery red throat sac and gill covers. It has been discovered by ethologists that the red coloring itself is intimidating to other fishes!

They like a tank bottom of fine sand and plenty of hiding places among rocks and wood. Plants are also appreciated by the Firemouth Cichlid. Place hardy plants, such as Sagittaria, around the inside perimeter leaving an open area in the center for swimming. The plants should be potted to protect the roots.

Care and feeding:

Since they are omnivorous the Firemouth Cichlid will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food or pellet everyday. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms as a treat.

Distribution:

The Firemouth Cichlids are found in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

Size - Weight:

These fish get up to 6 inches (15 cm).

Social Behaviors:

They can be a good community fish and not usually aggressive except when spawning. The Firemouth Cichlids are monogamous and will pair off, developing a strong nuclear family. They get territorial when spawning and also may burrow, damaging plants at that time. They are, however, very good parents.

Sexual Differences:

The male has a more pointed dorsal and anal fins and is more intensely colored, especially during breeding.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:

These fish will swim in the middle and lower areas of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:

Hardness: 8-15° dGH
Ph: 6.5 to 8.0
Temp: 70-75° F 21-24° C

Breeding/Reproduction:

The Firemouth Cichlids are egg layers A monogamous cichlid, they form a nuclear family. The female spawns 100-500 eggs on carefully cleaned rocks. The fry are protected in pits by both parents. See the description of how these fish breed in Breeding Freshwater Fish.

Availability:

The Firemouth Cichlid is readily available.

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