Size
7-8 inches.
Physical Appearance and Habitat
Males often have longer fin rays than females and are more vividly colored (think red-orange). In contrast, women frequently have stomachs that are fuller and rounder than men’s. The bottom part of the operculum’s black mark makes firemouths easy to identify. Only while actively spawning during the mating season are they thought to be fairly antagonistic. However, they get along well with other fish and may live in a freshwater aquarium with larger, more spirited animals
Habitat
Conditions are 72-81° F, KH 4-10, pH 6.0-7.5.
Requirements to Keep as Pet
- Care of Aquariums
With clean water, Firemouth Cichlids are relatively simple to maintain. Since they are closed systems, all aquariums require some upkeep, regardless of size. In home aquariums, phosphates and nitrates accumulate over time, and evaporation causes the water’s hardness to rise. At least 15 to 20 percent of the tank’s water needs to be changed every week since fish can be sensitive to contaminants and pH instability, especially if the tank is heavily stocked. Always use a gravel cleaner while performing the weekly water changes to ensure that all of the accumulated decomposing organic matter is eliminated. Decomposing organic debris is typically the root of the bulk of issues with tropical fish tanks.
When cleaning the tank, remove algae from the view panes but leave a healthy growth so the Firemouth has other food sources.
- Setup of an aquarium
For a pair, a minimum 30-gallon aquarium is advised; however, if keeping more fish, a larger tank would be required. They need strong and effective filtration in addition to good water flow. Give the area a fine-sand substrate and lots of hiding places among the rocks and timber. Although valued, plants like Sagittaria should be resilient. Place the vegetation around the inner edge, leaving the swimming area’s center open. Make sure plants are potted to protect their roots because these fish like to dig about in the substrate of the tank and rearrange the plants.
The Firemouth can be kept in slightly brackish water since it has some salt tolerance. However, it is not appropriate for a tank with completely brackish water. Although it likes to live in freshwater, it can handle a salinity of around 10% of that of a typical saltwater tank and a specific gravity of less than 1.0002.
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