{"product_id":"firemouth-cichlid","title":"Firemouth Cichlid","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFiremouth Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eThorichthys meeki\u003c\/em\u003e) is a striking Central American cichlid known for its fiery red-orange throat, elegant blue-green highlights, and confident personality. Their bold colour and expressive behaviour make them an excellent centrepiece fish for larger community or semi-aggressive aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiremouths spend much of their time exploring the lower and middle areas of the aquarium, investigating décor, establishing territories, and interacting with tank mates. They are generally less aggressive than many larger Central American cichlids, although breeding pairs can become strongly territorial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the right tank size, stable water quality, and carefully chosen companions, Firemouth Cichlids are rewarding fish that offer both colour and personality without requiring the extreme aggression management associated with some larger cichlid species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love Them\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright red-orange throat and belly colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeautiful blue-green iridescent patterning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInteractive and intelligent cichlid behaviour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore manageable temperament than many large Central American cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent centrepiece fish for larger aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive and interesting throughout the day\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 180L+ with a 120cm footprint preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5-8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 15-17cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivorous - quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods, live foods, and vegetable matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiremouth Cichlids are semi-aggressive and can become territorial, especially when breeding. Outside of spawning periods they can work well with robust, similarly sized fish that are confident enough to share the aquarium without being easily intimidated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates can include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther medium-sized peaceful to semi-aggressive cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger barbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobust tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver Dollars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable Plecos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther bottom-dwelling catfish that can tolerate cichlid activity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid very small, timid, or slow-moving fish that may be stressed by territorial behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquascaping Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiremouth Cichlids look especially impressive in natural layouts using sand, rounded rocks, driftwood, and open swimming areas. Provide caves, visual barriers, and defined territories to reduce conflict between fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sandy or fine-gravel substrate allows natural digging and foraging behaviour, while hardy plants attached to wood or rock can add greenery without being easily uprooted. Leave open areas around the front and centre of the aquarium so their vivid throat colour and displays remain clearly visible.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glass And Gill","offers":[{"title":"4-6CM","offer_id":53966770831654,"sku":"CA-0035","price":299.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1019\/9810\/0774\/files\/firemouth-cichlid.jpg?v=1790591452","url":"https:\/\/www.glassandgill.co.za\/products\/firemouth-cichlid","provider":"Glass And Gill","version":"1.0","type":"link"}