Firemouth cichlid

The firemouth cichlid is a popular Central American cichlid renowned for its spectacular threat display — the fish flairs its gill covers forward, revealing a brilliant fiery-red throat that gives it its common name. Its natural range extends from the Río Tonalá system near Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, eastward through the Yucatán Peninsula and into northern Belize and Guatemala. It inhabits a remarkable range of lowland biotopes from clear cenotes and lagoons to muddy roadside pools and slightly brackish coastal ditches. Males reach 10-12 cm standard length (up to 17 cm total length), with females slightly smaller.

Firemouths are benthophagous omnivores: they take mouthfuls of substrate, sift out edible items such as crustaceans, molluscs, and organic detritus, and expel the remaining material through their gills. In the aquarium they accept a varied diet of quality dried foods supplemented with live and frozen fare. A pair requires a tank of at least 120 cm in length (approximately 120 litres) with a soft, sandy substrate — sharp gravel will damage their gills during sifting. Décor should include smooth rocks, driftwood roots, and planting, with flowerpots or caves provided as potential spawning sites. They are moderately territorial, particularly during breeding, but mix well with other robust Central American cichlids in a suitably large aquarium.

Water parameters: 20-32°C, pH 6.5-8.5, with hardness from soft to hard. The eggs are deposited on a flat stone or other surface after cleaning, and both parents guard the clutch intensively. Fry hatch in 3-4 days and are free-swimming within a week. Firemouths have also established naturalised populations in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Their hardiness, relatively peaceful demeanour for a cichlid, and spectacular display behaviour make them a rewarding species for both novice and experienced cichlid keepers.