arshba.ru

Firemouth Cichlid, lat. Thorichthys meeki


Order: Cichliformes;
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Thorichthys;
Species and synonyms: Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki, Firemouth Cichlid, Redbreasted Cichlid, Vuurkeelcichlide, Cíclido boca de fuego).

GBIF: Thorichthys meeki Brind, 1918

Firemouth Cichlid (lat. Thorichthys meeki) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Thorichthys. One of the most popular and peaceful Central American cichlids in the aquarium hobby.

Distribution. The natural range of the Firemouth Cichlid covers rivers and lakes of Central America, mainly on the Yucatán Peninsula (Mexico), as well as in Guatemala and Belize. The fish prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in rivers, lakes, floodplain water bodies and canals with dense vegetation.

Care requirements. The Firemouth Cichlid grows up to 10–12 cm in the aquarium and up to 15 cm in the wild. To keep a pair or a group, an aquarium of at least 100 liters with a length of 80 cm is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Filtration with moderate flow, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, stones, driftwood and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants are planted in the substrate or used in pots.

Firemouth Cichlids are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, worms, algae and vegetation in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality flakes and pellets for cichlids, live and frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, shrimp), as well as plant components (spirulina, blanched vegetables). Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.

In the aquarium, Firemouth Cichlids are active in the middle and lower water layers. They are peaceful compared to other cichlids, but may show aggression towards conspecifics and small fish during spawning. Recommended tankmates include other peaceful cichlids, large characins, catfish, livebearers. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving fish and with fish of smaller size.

Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Firemouth Cichlids are substrate spawners, laying eggs on flat stones, driftwood or in pre-dug pits. They reach sexual maturity at 8–10 months. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh water and a temperature increase of 1–2°C are recommended. The male and female form a stable pair and jointly care for the offspring. Eggs incubate for 3–5 days, fry are fed Artemia nauplii, microworms and fine dry food.

The Firemouth Cichlid gets its name in honor of ichthyologist Seth Meek and due to the characteristic bright red coloration of the throat and lower head, which the fish displays when threatened or during courtship. The body is silvery-grey with a bluish sheen and dark transverse stripes. Males have brighter coloration and a pointed dorsal fin, females have a more rounded body. It is one of the most popular and accessible cichlids for aquarists. Life expectancy is 8–12 years.