Comments on: Firemouth Cichlid

By: Jack Bean

Jack Bean — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:14:42 +0000

Guys, the 1″ per gallon rule is so vague that unfortunately many people have taken it to heart as the golden rule. It may very well apply to smaller species such as many tetras, i.e. rummynose tetra or pencil fish etc. Yet, start mixing larger south &/or central american cichlid species or multiples of same species with larger profiles and you’re bound to have continual aggression in tanks even as large as 75 gallons. The 1″ per gallon rule goes out the window, when large territories are being claimed.
The exception of course is African cichlids where over-stocking is the rule, otherwise a few cichlids will pulverize each other due to continual specific targeting and no way to diffuse the aggressor.
I’ve seen many people stock larger aquariums 50+ with far too many territorial fish. i.e. 3-4 Firemouths, a few African cichlids, perhaps a Jaguar and Convicts. The tank is going to be a continual territorial scrap match with very aggravated fish. Now, it may work but it can be trial & error that may very well lead you to returning some fish. It sounds exciting to have all these potentially aggressive fish together, yet is that something you really want? Cichlids squaring off constantly, or constant bickering over territory? Your aquarium becomes a virtual torture zone that is not pleasing to look at.
It’s so tempting to mix different species together but just bear in mind their potential maximum size (typical aquarium: not in the wild), and their territorial claims. Natural water habitat is less important these days, as most fish you find will be tank/farm raised.
After many years of keeping aquariums, what I find most pleasing is the way you’ve landscaped the aquarium (i.e. substrate choice/drift wood/rock layout/plants etc.), rather than the fish itself.
What I’ve also found is the most simplest rule to follow: consistent water changes, which will not only enhance their color and appetite, yet also promote vigorous growth rates.

By: Nickiguanaman

Nickiguanaman — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:04:46 +0000

My firemouth that iv had for a cupple of mounths is about 7inch and just killed my baby oscar for no reson. ;(

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:01:41 +0000

@ Steve;
I think your problem with the firemouths are normal for the circumstances. Firemouths are VERY territorial and aggressive cichlids. I have 2 firemouths, 2 electric yellows, and 2 peacock cichlids in a 44gal tank. And I’ve noticed that the firemouths will chase all the fish from their “area”. Especially the larger firemouth. But it only occurs when the other fish swin in it’s area. So it’s not a constant thing.

I’m wondering if it’s constant with your fish because of habitat size. And possibly age of fish when you got them. Mine were very young when I got them.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:11:54 +0000

Hi, maybe someone here can help me out. I have a tank with tiger barbs and 2 small firemouths. The combo between the barbs and firemouths has been working well, for the most part they just ignore one another. My problem is between my two firemouths. They are both male. One is slightly larger than the other and he is absolutely dominating the smaller one. He is constantly attacking him and forcing him into one of the top corners of the tank. I have rearranged the tank several times hoping this might do something, but no luck. I have a 20 gallon tank with two pieces of drift wood, several rocks i have made caves with, and several live plants. Is there anything I can do here?

By: Krissy

Krissy — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 06:14:19 +0000

i have had firemouths for a while now my firemouths are generally placid to other species but can be agressive to other firemouths. Kyle i have kribs and firemouths and about to remove the kribs they don’t go well with firemouths or angels for that matter i am supprised u have both in your tank as kribs are nortorious for fin nipping. darby if you mean blue metalic specs? if you mean blue in colour then i would guess one isn’t a firemouth, when firemouths are young there colours arn’t as strong. and females wont be as vivid as the dominant male. They are flighty but as syndi said they become use to there environment and are less flighty and even come out and feed while your watching.

By: Rob

Rob — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 13:20:52 +0000

Hi I bought a fire mouth to try them out and found it to be a very peaceful fish so I decided to get 2 more of them but the moment I put them in the tank the existing firemouth started displaying his colours and biting at the other two does anyone know what’s goin on with them? They are all the same size about 1.5 “

By: Kyle

Kyle — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:58:41 +0000

Hey question I have 3 angles and 2 kribs was wondering how firemouths would go with these 2 cichlids being that the kribs have a tendency to be aggressive and are cave dwellers as well. Thanks

By: Darby

Darby — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:58:11 +0000

My Firemouth Cichlid is blue and the other one is orange why is this?????

By: syndi

syndi — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:18:14 +0000

HI..I LOVE THESE FISH, THEY WILL HIDE OUT WHEN THEY ARE SMALL, ,BUT AS THEY GROW THEY BECOME MORE AND MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THE TANK AND THEIR MATES. I FIND THEM VERY SMART NAD LOTS OF FUN TO WATCH.

By: Jason V

Jason V — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:46:37 +0000

Redman, firemouths are generally shy when it comes to people and are somewhat bottom feeders as well. Typeically they aren’t too “social” when it comes to being viewed (they noramaly keep to themselves) . You may want to try an Angelfish Cichlid. They are voracious eaters, and will pace back and forth by the glass to make sure that you see them.