Easy to moderate
Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki)
23–30°C · pH 6.5–8 · 200L
£4.99
A large Central American Vieja cichlid with bold markings and confident behaviour for spacious hard-water aquariums. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 26-28C, pH 7.0-8.0.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Vieja maculicauda
A large Central American Vieja cichlid with bold markings and confident behaviour for spacious hard-water aquariums. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 26-28C, pH 7.0-8.0.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Black Belt Cichlid is best listed as Vieja maculicauda, a robust Central American cichlid with strong markings and confident behaviour. It suits keepers who can provide a very large aquarium and plan around adult territorial behaviour.
Use a large mature aquarium with powerful filtration, rocks, roots, open swimming room and broken sight lines. It is a strong, heavy-bodied cichlid and should not be squeezed into a standard community layout.
Best companions are similarly large, robust fish chosen carefully for an oversized setup. Avoid small fish, delicate species and any tank where a pair cannot form a territory safely.
. Eligible livestock orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee and are sent with a licensed live-animal courier when available.
23–30°C · pH 6.5–8 · 200L
26–30°C · pH 6.5–8 · 400L
22–28°C · pH 7–8.5 · 350L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 250L
23–28°C · pH 7–8 · 250L
24–30°C · pH 6.5–8 · 250L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 500L
20–27°C · pH 6–7 · 54L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 150L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.8 · 300L
20–24°C · pH 7–8 · 45L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
18–25°C · pH 6–8 · 100L
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.8 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 40L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L