grace130994
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2012
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- 47
Saw some in the store and want to know about them, I'd love to get one! Any tips advice from anyone?
Experienced in keeping firemouth cichilds?
- Thread starter grace130994
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5x5
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Firemouths grow to about 5 - 6 inches (with the males typically slightly larger than the females) and are moderately agressive as far as cichlids go.
I've had them co-exist with community fish for short periods of time, but that's not advisable long term, as they are too aggressive. You really need a 30 - 40 gallon tank for 1 long term. You'd probably do better with bigger tank if you plan on keeping more than one or adding tankmates. They tend to claim a lot of space, so a good footprint is essential to keeping peace. Firemouths are compatible with other medium-sized semi-aggressive cichlids.
I recommend them if you have a good setup for them. They look great when they start growing and get their color.
Any specific questions about keeping them?
I've had them co-exist with community fish for short periods of time, but that's not advisable long term, as they are too aggressive. You really need a 30 - 40 gallon tank for 1 long term. You'd probably do better with bigger tank if you plan on keeping more than one or adding tankmates. They tend to claim a lot of space, so a good footprint is essential to keeping peace. Firemouths are compatible with other medium-sized semi-aggressive cichlids.
I recommend them if you have a good setup for them. They look great when they start growing and get their color.
Any specific questions about keeping them?
OP
OP
grace130994
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2012
- Messages
- 47
Hummmm I don't think I'd really be able to keep one, in the thank that I have then because I prefer a good community fish! They guy at the store said they were aggressive but he usually doesn't know what he's talking about so I wanted to make sure first, thank you for your help! 
HUKIT
Aquarium Advice Addict
In my experience they seem to cover the spectrum of aggression, ranging from meek to very aggressive. The aggression is usually more conspecific than towards other tankmates, this the normal but there are always exceptions.
Last edited:
5x5
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Hummmm I don't think I'd really be able to keep one, in the thank that I have then because I prefer a good community fish! They guy at the store said they were aggressive but he usually doesn't know what he's talking about so I wanted to make sure first, thank you for your help!
I certainly wouldn't classify them as "Good Community Fish".
As Hukit said, their aggression levels really do vary among the indivudual fish, as well as depending on the tank mates. I had a male firemouth that was very shy and passive in a tank full of community fish and has become very aggressive once introduced with other cichlids.
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