Firemouth Cichlid 3.5cm

Firemouth Cichlid
 

Firemouths are a true classic South American Cichlid and have been in the aquarium hobby for decades at this point. With the introduction of Geophagus and more peaceful earth eater species the Firemouths have lost the original spotlight it held but these really are stunning fish for any large South American display. Their fiery look and attitude make them great with boisterous fish and they also are fantastic sand sifters giving them a utility purpose as well.

Firemouth Cichlids get their name due to the bright red flash they develop on the lower jaw that runs into the cheek and underbelly, especially in dominant males. As these fish mature, they really do become a true spectacle of contrast, the body colour is a range of earthy brown to grey shades that really can change based on the environment and mood of the fish. They can often show light banding, darken or lighten their eyespot and intensify their colours based on the need. On top of all the reds present on the body and fins, Firemouth Cichlids also have an array of
bright blue spots that are present on the fins and as a sheen across the scales. The black cheek and body spots really tie all of this together creating one downright stunning fish. Being a sand sifter as well, they will take large mouthfuls of sand and sift through it in order to find food. In the aquarium setting this is a great behaviour as it keeps the substrate well turned over and ensures there is no detritus trapped in it.

Firemouth Cichlids are a fairly easy fish to care for although they can be territorial at times. Breeding these fish is super common in the aquarium. Males will be larger and far redder compared to females, they also have pointed dorsal fins whereas females have rounder. The parent fish will clean a spawning site where the female will lay eggs, once fertilized both
parents will guard the eggs and fry until they are free swimming. Because they are such good parents breeding these fish can often be a very hands-off process.

Tank Recommendations for your Fire Mouth Cichlid

Being a fairly large growing South American cichlid that will reach a max size of 15 cm, the Firemouth Cichlid will need an aquarium that is a minimum of 200 litres. The Firemouth Cichlid is also a fish that prefers to be kept in groups of at least 3 or more which is why a larger aquarium is always best.

A sand substrate is always best because of the constant sand-sifting behaviour that these fish have. Having some additional materials in the aquarium such as smooth river stones and drift wood would also be great. Because the Firemouth Cichlid are a South American fish, they do require softer water with a PH of around 6.0 - 7.0.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Firemouth Cichlid is absolutely a semi-aggressive fish, whilst they tend to keep to themselves they can be territorial and display more aggression compared to other earth-eating species. It will be better to keep them with fish that can hold their own.

Usually Compatible

Angelfish, Severums, Oscar, Jaguar Cichlids, and other larger growing South American cichlids.

Sometimes Compatible

Larger-bodied tetras like Congo Tetras or Black Widows along with bottom dwellers like Corydoras may be pestered.

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as Dovii would be far too aggressive and invertebrates like shrimp would be prey for the fire mouth.

Feeding your Firemouth Cichlid

Like many other South American cichlids, the Firemouth Cichlid is a very easy fish to feed. Due to their bottom-dwelling nature in the aquarium, care should be taken to ensure food reaches these fish before being eaten by tank mates. It is best to feed them either a sinking pellet or flake food which is supplemented with frozen foods to ensure these fish have optimal health.