Common Name Firemouth Cichlid

Scientific Name Cichasoma meeki

Family Cichlidae

Community Aggressive

Class Cichlids

Temperature 78 ºF

Swimming Range Middle-Bottom

Adult Length 5-6 inches

Feeding Habits Live fish, blood worms, glass worms, brine shrimp and tubifex worms. Frozen plankton, beef heart, brine shrimp, glass worms and blood worms. Freeze dried and tablet foods also accepted.

Compatibility Very aggressive especially during spawning. Mix with other similar sized aggressive cichlids.

Habitat Guatemala: Moderately decorated with rocks, plastic plants and driftwood. Use only hardy live potted plants, as the firemouths may uproot them.

Breeding The anal and dorsal fins on the male are longer and end in a point. During spawning 100-500 eggs can be produced, and both parents care for the fry.

Additional Comments They will flair out their gill covers when threatened or defending their fry.