1 or 2 firemouths...or imposter

[cichlidfish]

I have bred one or two thorichthys species and none of the fry have grown up to look more variable than those of meeki.
I think the fish is every bit a Meeki,just a unique one.
I think it looks a bit like the mopan meeki but like I said, they are not very common and would cost more than a fish without catch location.
spangles vary among siblings and barring changes with mood.
I just think it will be nice to see how he develops.

I agree with this.

Mopan would be very rare. My largest meeki turned black like this for a little while, but went back to normal coloration.
Here are some pics of how much colors can vary in meeki. Most of these are from the same source and captive bred fish. Meeki have been in the hobby for a very long time and there is a good deal of variation in the wild. I bet different catch locations have been bred many times over the years.













View attachment 1257841

 

[cichlidfish]

I have bred one or two thorichthys species and none of the fry have grown up to look more variable than those of meeki.
I think the fish is every bit a Meeki,just a unique one.
I think it looks a bit like the mopan meeki but like I said, they are not very common and would cost more than a fish without catch location.
spangles vary among siblings and barring changes with mood.
I just think it will be nice to see how he develops.

I agree with this.

Mopan would be very rare. My largest meeki turned black like this for a little while, but went back to normal coloration.
Here are some pics of how much colors can vary in meeki. Most of these are from the same source and captive bred fish. Meeki have been in the hobby for a very long time and there is a good deal of variation in the wild. I bet different catch locations have been bred many times over the years.

 

[BIG-G]

The pale face though is throwing me as it seems the black Rio has more coloring

I See what your saying. The picture I posted shows a fish that is bright and could be in breeding dress.
Like others have posted there's great variability within the species.

If you could keep this thread updated would be great to see how this fish changes with time.

 

[Jeff5347]

Yeah I get it. I see there is quite a bit of variation. Def alot of deep colored vs almost washed out. I'll wait and see what comes of the coloring.
I really wonder if they are different. Also wonder if maybe something is wrong. I know this seems out there but when ppl are sick they get pale.. possibly same for fish
Firemouth



Pale rider lol

 

[cichlidfish]

Yeah I get it. I see there is quite a bit of variation. Def alot of deep colored vs almost washed out. I'll wait and see what comes of the coloring.
I really wonder if they are different. Also wonder if maybe something is wrong. I know this seems out there but when ppl are sick they get pale.. possibly same for fish
Firemouth

View attachment 1257870

Pale rider lol

View attachment 1257871

Not sick, probably just stress. He/she will probably go back to normal colors eventually.

 

[Jeff5347]

Well, looks like things went bad. Cichlidfish I think you may have been right...stressed out. Last he was seemingly fine. Swimming and such but this morning I found him on his side 2 secs from death gasping for air. I scooped him and put him in a fry container but 10 minutes later no movement. I think now when I had ick a few weeks ago and cured it he may just not have had the strength to fully comeback. Sucks. Curious...are firemouth's ok by themselves or better with another FM

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Well, looks like things went bad. Cichlidfish I think you may have been right...stressed out. Last he was seemingly fine. Swimming and such but this morning I found him on his side 2 secs from death gasping for air. I scooped him and put him in a fry container but 10 minutes later no movement. I think now when I had ick a few weeks ago and cured it he may just not have had the strength to fully comeback. Sucks. Curious...are firemouth's ok by themselves or better with another FM

View attachment 1257966

Sorry you lost your meeki.

Firemouths are at their best in groups of 6 or more.

 

[Jeff5347]

Thanks....He looked like he had been beaten up a bit since he went on his side. Pectoral fins and caudal fins pretty much chewed up. Seems the others took their shots at him. I'm thinking for the time leave the tank alone in meaning adding no new fish. The firemouth will be by himself for now but....

 

[cichlidfish]

Well, looks like things went bad. Cichlidfish I think you may have been right...stressed out. Last he was seemingly fine. Swimming and such but this morning I found him on his side 2 secs from death gasping for air. I scooped him and put him in a fry container but 10 minutes later no movement. I think now when I had ick a few weeks ago and cured it he may just not have had the strength to fully comeback. Sucks. Curious...are firemouth's ok by themselves or better with another FM

View attachment 1257966

Sorry to hear