Firemouth Questions

[WhistlingBadger]

Hi, everybody.

I'm looking for a good medium-sized replacement for my tinfoil barbs because I'm tired of them eating my plants. I have a 55 gallon tank with 8 very healthy turquoise rainbows, assorted snails and algae eaters (ottos, goldens, plecos), a red tail shark, and a growing but well-munched batch of java ferns and swords.

Here's what I'm reading about firemouths: Probably one pair for a 55, two pairs max (but it seems that would be really pushing it). They normally reach around 6"-7", which is about what I want. Their red-silver color would look beautiful with the rainbows, and probably would get along with them OK.

Does that sound right?

Questions: Are they OK with plants, as long as the plants are well-anchored? How much earth-moving do they do compared to, say, goldfish? (my substrate is 1/4 inch granite pea gravel)

Will they eat the otto cats? (not a deal breaker; just curious)

If the plants get nice and big once I remove the herbivores, will those suffice for hiding spots, or to I need to arrange my river rocks into some big caves?

One or two pairs in a 55?

The red-tail shark occasionally gets ornery and chases the other fish--especially the tinfoil barbs--during feeding time. The rainbows are so fast and active that the shark tires out long before the rbs notice they're being chased. But would this be a problem with firemouths? I get the idea they can be a bit shy.

I'm sure I'll have more questions as I look into this further. Thanks for the help.

Tom

[openbook]

I'll try to answer a couple questions. My firemouth I've had for a couple years hasn't gotten much bigger than 4 inches. He was about that big when I got him. He likes to hang out in a big cave. I've only seen him dig out the bottom of his cave. I don't think they would dig up your plants too much as long as you provide them with suitable cover.

I used to have a red tail shark that he would fight. Both fish liked to hang out in caves/ driftwood. The red tail shark dissapeared one day and I didn't even notice until I realized I hadn't seen him for a while.

The ottos might be food to him.

[WhistlingBadger]

Thanks, Openbook. Good stuff to know.

[SueD]

My son's firemouth is about 2 yrs old, about 6" and beautiful, but yes, very shy. He bought a ceramic, cave like structure open on the bottom and front and the firemouth dug his way beneath this through about 3" of flourite. So that's his home, and he hasn't dug any other areas up. But when he tried to add some planting behind the cave it was constantly being pulled up, so around the cave, it's plant free.

[WhistlingBadger]

I wonder if they'd be a bit more bold if there were more than one. Anybody know if that's the case? I'd like to get a pair, maybe two.

In another thread, someone said they are very territorial, and that probably one pair would claim a whole 55 gallon tank. What if I got three males, and no females? Would they get along, or would they just fight constantly?

I'm completely new to cichlids, so I appreciate the pointers.

Tom

[Lady Hobbs]

I had two pair in my 55 but one pair would have been better. They never got into rip roaring knock-out battles but it was constant sparing all day. They spawn every couple of weeks and have oddles of babies. I don't know about all males. Someone else will have to help you with that one. Pretty easy to tell the males from the females. Males are more red. Here are mine......one pair sparing with the other.

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[WhistlingBadger]

Great picture, Ladyhobbs. *cue "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" theme music*

Thanks for the info! How big are yours? I love the way they're colored.

T

[Lady Hobbs]

I no longer have them. Couldn't keep up with the breeding. But what you see is their adult size...about 5". Mine did not like bottom feeders of any kind. Bottom feeders go in their caves and therefore the number one enemy. LOL

Mine were with platies, gourami's, numerous tetra's.

[WhistlingBadger]

Ha ha ha Well, I think it would take a pretty tough fish to bother a pleco, and the goldens don't hide out much, so maybe it's OK...Sounds like my otos would get scarfed, though.

Are they really protective of their fry? Because my turquoise rainbows just LOVE fish eggs...

I might try starting with two pairs, and if they fight I'll give one pair away. I still like the idea of three males...anybody tried that?