Thorichthys meeki (Firemouth Cichlid)
Photo by Elmar Laister 
Family: Cichlidae
Scientific name: Thorichthys meeki
Common name: Firemouth Cichlid
Synonyms: Cichlasoma meeki, Thorichthys helleri meeki
Origin: Central America: Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.
Adult size: 15cm
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Sex: Males have pointed dorsal fins and are more intensely coloured. The genitla papilla of males is pointed, on females it is rounded.
Minimum aquarium size: 80cm
Aquarium decor: Rocks, sand, plants
Temperature: 21-30°C
Water chemistry: pH 6.5-7.5 Hardness 8-15°dGH
Diet: Omnivore; Live, frozen, flake, tablet
Swimming level: All
Compatibility: A good community fish that is only usually aggressive when spawning. Best kept with similar sized fish.
Comments: Provide plenty of hiding places in rocky formations and roots. A sandy bottom is required as they like to burrow. They only tend to damage plants when spawning. Firemouth Cichlids are monogamous and make excellent parents.
