Firemouth cichlid

Thorichthys meeki, the firemouth cichlid, is a Central American cichlid in the family Cichlidae, native to rivers and lagoons of the Yucatan region of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. It is grey to olive with a pearly sheen, and males in particular flush a vivid orange-red across the throat and belly, which they flare dramatically during display. It is a moderately territorial fish, most assertive when breeding but generally more bluster than bite, relying on gill-flaring displays. Outside spawning it can be kept with other robust community fish of similar size. It does well in an aquarium with sand or fine gravel, rockwork, driftwood, and open swimming space, tolerating a range of water conditions. It is an omnivore accepting pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Firemouths are dedicated biparental substrate spawners that guard eggs and fry attentively, making them a rewarding beginner cichlid to breed.