For years, aquarium enthusiasts have been enthralled with the Meeka, also referred to as the Red-throated Cichlid, a striking and vibrant freshwater fish. Its shimmering scales and vivid red throat make it stand out in any tank, adding a pop of color to your aquatic setting.
Meeka cichlids are noted for having feisty personalities despite their attractive appearance. These fish can be highly territorial, especially when they are breeding, and they are not timid. In order to create a peaceful aquarium environment where they can flourish, it is imperative to comprehend their behavior and requirements.
The main traits of the Meeka cichlid, including their behavior and appearance as well as the best tank conditions and maintenance advice, will all be covered in this article. You’ll find helpful advice to help you maintain the health and happiness of these fascinating fish, regardless of experience level.
| Feature | Description |
| Species Name | Meeka Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) |
| Common Name | Firemouth Cichlid |
| Origin | Central America |
| Size | Up to 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Color | Gray body with a distinctive red throat |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, especially during breeding |
| Tank Size | Minimum 30 gallons |
| Water Conditions | Temperature 75-86°F, pH 6.5-8.0 |
| Diet | Omnivorous, prefers both plant and animal matter |
| Breeding | Egg layer, forms monogamous pairs |
- History of appearance
- Habitat in the wild
- What does the red-necked look like cichlasoma?
- Optimal conditions of maintenance
- Suitable neighborhood
- How and what to feed?
- Video on the topic
- Meek"s cichlazoma
- Meek"s cichlazoma (Thorichthys meeki)
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- Meek"s cichlazoma. Male in ambush.
- Meeki"s cichlazoma
- Meeki"s cichlazoma – Maintenance and care!
- Thorichthys Meeki, Cichlazoma – Thorichthys meeki
History of appearance
W. Brind published the cichlazoma meeka’s first description in 1918. On the other hand, Seth Eugene Meek, an American ichthyologist, inspired the name. The fish, which originated in the Yucatan Peninsula, first showed up in Europe in 1933.
It gained popularity very rapidly and settled in many hobbyists’ aquariums. The red-necked cichlazoma is primarily responsible for its introduction to Russia thanks to S.V. Obraztsov, the People’s Artist of the USSR and renowned puppeteer as well as ardent aquarist.
Habitat in the wild
Central America, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, the Yucatan Peninsula, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama are thought to be the home countries of this incredible cichlid. Additionally, it was artificially populated in the Hawaiian Islands, Singapore, Colombia, and the USA reservoirs. Meeka prefers the middle or lower layers of water with dense plant life, and it can be found in rivers, ponds, and canals with a slow current and sandy-silty soil.
These fish are becoming increasingly hard to import in their natural habitat. They are bred more frequently in Asia and Eastern Europe in aquariums and on specialized farms.
What does the red-necked look like cichlasoma?
With a sloping forehead, a small mouth, and a pointed muzzle (or snout) in front, the body is tall, slender, and compressed from the sides. Large, pointed fins are present on the ends.
The body’s primary background is silver, with reflections of metallic blue, green, and yellow. The preponderance of gray suggests inbreeding (crossing closely related animals over many generations), monotonous feeding, and poor maintenance. Certain fish may have golden or dark patches near their gills or along their midline.
The transparent pinkish-blue paired fins sparkle blue. They have shiny edges and may have stripes or dots. There is a red border on the dorsal and other unpaired fins.
Red in all hues erupts on the gill covers, throat, and a tiny portion of the abdomen. The eyes’ irises are blue in color. The tail has a lyre-like shape.
Although they can reach a maximum length of 12–15 cm, they typically only reach about 8 cm. You have ten to twelve years to live.
The fins of males are longer, more pointed, and larger and brighter.
Fascinating information This fish puts on a mask when it senses danger. It spreads its gills frightfully, and the dark spots on them resemble the eyes of a massive monster. They are also known as masked because of this ability.
Aquarium enthusiasts frequently choose the Meeka, also called the Firemouth Cichlid, because of its eye-catching red throat and lively disposition. It is a colorful freshwater fish. This species does well in well-kept tanks with lots of hiding places and is comparatively easy to care for. Though gorgeous, the Meeka can be possessive, particularly when mating, so choose your tank mates wisely. The Meeka can be an interesting and fruitful addition to any home aquarium given the correct conditions.
Optimal conditions of maintenance
Because adult meeka cichlasomas have strong endurance, taking care of them is not too hard. All that matters is that it be methodical and consistent.
Aquarium. For a single pair, a minimum of 50 liters is required; for two or three pairs, 150–200 liters. There must be a lid or glass on top because the fish have a tendency to jump out.
Water characteristics:
- temperature 22-27 degrees,
- hardness within 20,
- acidity 6.5-7.5.
Both filtration and aeration. These fish require water that is clear, oxygenated, and slightly current. You will need to install an external or internal filter and set up aeration because they do not handle pollution well.
Every week, 30 to 35 percent of the water needs to be replaced.
To illuminate No extra requirements are needed, but brilliant light gives the mesh a more amazing appearance. Fluorescent lights with a combined power of 0.5 W/l can be installed.
Decoration at the bottom. Since these fish like to dig in the dirt and agitate the water, it is best to use small pebbles for the soil. If sand, then only if it’s big and thick (starting at 8 cm).
Plants in aquariums. Hard leaves and robust roots are ideal for plants. Select anubias, vallisneria, echinodorus, elodea, and cryptocoryne. Since there will be frequent attempts to dig them up, it is best to plant plants in pots. It is possible to place stones on top of the pots themselves.
These cichlids require housing. Consequently, you can use ceramic pots, snags, and grottoes to adorn the aquarium. Using stones to construct caves is a smart idea.
Suitable neighborhood
Fish that are Meeka cichlids are indiscriminate. This indicates that they fiercely defend their preferred habitat. This is more true for men than for women. Flock living is preferred by females and young.
Furthermore, if these fish are raised in pairs from an early age, they become accustomed to the companionship of their own species, initially share a territory, and eventually grow out of the need to fight and hurt one another.
Three groups can be distinguished in a neighborhood inhabited by other species:
Alright. can be developed with other large fish that aren’t aggressive, like angelfish or acaras. Generally speaking, there are no issues with compatibility with locarid catfish, which include ancistrus, pterygoplichthys, and loricaria.
Tense. Cohabitation with American cichlids is one example of this, where the fish occasionally engage in territorial disputes despite spending the majority of their time together in peace.
Not good. This encompasses the neighborhood:
- with closely related species (black-striped cichlazoma, golden cichlazoma, etc. p.), as this results in unwanted hybrids;
- with small, sedentary and veil fish that are perceived as food;
- with mollusks that risk being eaten or left with gnawed antennae;
- with larger and more aggressive fish, like astronotus.
How and what to feed?
Fish that are omnivores are red-throated cichlazomas. However, this does not imply that they ought to be fed. Food ought to be balanced and varied.
What ought to be a part of the diet:
- different types of food – artificial, frozen, live (corethra, bloodworm, tubifex), specialized store-bought for cichlids.
- you can diversify the menu with earthworms, small live fish, insects and their larvae.
- plant food – lettuce leaves, dried nettles, scalded dandelion leaves, spirulina.
Fascinating information Certain foods have an impact on the meeka’s appearance. Squid fillet, for instance, brings out the gold and silver tones on the fins. Protein-rich foods hasten growth.
Counseling! Avoid overindulging in bloodworms as they have the potential to inflame fish’s gastrointestinal tract.
The red-throated cichlazoma, Meeka, is an amazing addition to any aquarium. Because of its eye-catching appearance—bright colors and distinct markings—fish enthusiasts often choose it. Meeka is a beautiful plant, but for it to flourish, its surroundings must be carefully considered. Its health depends on having a well-maintained tank with ideal water conditions and compatible tank mates.
Meekas have a territorial temperament, particularly when they are breeding. Any aggressive behavior can be controlled in the aquarium by giving it adequate room and hiding places. It’s also critical to comprehend their dietary requirements. They will stay vibrant and healthy with a balanced diet that includes foods high in protein and plenty of plant-based foods.
All things considered, for those who are ready to meet its requirements, taking care of a Meeka cichlazoma is a rewarding experience. This fish can live a long and healthy life and bring years of beauty and intrigue to your aquarium with the correct setup and maintenance.
