Thorichthys meeki Brind, 1918
Firemouth cichlid
photo by DATZ

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Cichlasomatinae
Max. size:  17 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: 10, non-migratory
Distribution:  Central America: Atlantic slope, in the Usumacinta River drainage, the Belize River drainage, and near Progreso, in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Prefers lower and middle sections of rivers in slow moving waters (Ref. 7335). Lives in mud-bottomed and sand-bottomed canals and rocky ponds (Ref. 5723). Stays close to the shoreline vegetation for protection (Ref. 44091). Omnivorous, but feeds mainly on algae (Ref. 6466). Used in behavioral studies (Ref. 4537). Aquarium keeping: minimum aquarium size 100 cm (Ref. 51539).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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