Is this a regular Firemouth Cichlid? (Thorichthys Meeki)

[MaseBoogie]

So I bought this guy at my LFS an they had him listed as fire mouth cichlid. But all the pics I see of Firemouths online look a little different than he does. Now I know there are several species of thorichthys, and was wondering if someone can help me identify this guy. He’s maybe 2.5-3” I jus assumed he would have more orange or red if he was a thorichthys meeki. Any help identifying would be great!

 

[jabuc]

Looks more like a Thorichthys ellioti to me than a Fire mouth. Cool fish!

 

[tlindsey]

Looks more like a Thorichthys ellioti to me than a Fire mouth. Cool fish!

Stanzzzz7
Gourami Swami
Toiletcar

 

[MaseBoogie]

Looks more like a Thorichthys ellioti to me than a Fire mouth. Cool fish!

Okay yeah that’s what I was kinda thinking but didn’t know for sure. I wasn’t aware of how many thorichthys there were when I bought it, but I do love this fish!

 

[Stanzzzz7]

It's a firemouth. Colours can vary depending on mood, genetics diet and water conditions. The tanks substrate and decor can also play a role in influence of colour.
If the fish has recently been added, it may take a little time for it to display its true colour intensity.
I also notice you have a rivulatus in the tank. Sub dominant cichlids can also show less colour in the presance of more dominant fish. Hope this helps, but yes it's a firemouth.

 

[MaseBoogie]

It's a firemouth. Colours can vary depending on mood, genetics diet and water conditions. The tanks substrate and decor can also play a role in influence of colour.
If the fish has recently been added, it may take a little time for it to display its true colour intensity.
I also notice you have a rivulatus in the tank. Sub dominant cichlids can also show less colour in the presance of more dominant fish. Hope this helps, but yes it's a firemouth.

Okay I did add this fish a little over a month ago so that would make sense. And yeah the green terror is the dominant in this tank for sure. Thanks!

 

[Gourami Swami]

I agree with Stanzzzz7
There are many thoricthys and it can be confusing. This guy has the more elongated snout that the meeki and pasionis have compared to the others, but colors are off for pasionis, closer to meeki. Could possibly be a hybrid I suppose, I would believe pure meeki though.

 

[duanes]

It's a firemouth. Colours can vary depending on mood, genetics diet and water conditions. The tanks substrate and decor can also play a role in influence of colour.
If the fish has recently been added, it may take a little time for it to display its true colour intensity.
I also notice you have a rivulatus in the tank. Sub dominant cichlids can also show less colour in the presance of more dominant fish. Hope this helps, but yes it's a firemouth.

Agree with this, (although differences between some Thorichthys are very slight).
But with the alpha Andinoacara, already owning the tank, muted colors would be normal on a less dominant fish (and your light substrate will also wash colors out .
But...since you got at a LFS a FM is the most likely.
The other Thoichthys are coveted specialty species, so its doubtful they'd randomly show up at a LFS.

 

[MaseBoogie]

Agree with this, (although differences between some Thorichthys are very slight).
But with the alpha Andinoacara, already owning the tank, muted colors would be normal on a less dominant fish (and your light substrate will also wash colors out .
But...since you got at a LFS a FM is the most likely.
The other Thoichthys are coveted specialty species, so its doubtful they'd randomly show up at a LFS.

Right I get that the substrate is rather light so that probably is a factor. Thank you for your help!

 

[MaseBoogie]

I agree with Stanzzzz7
There are many thoricthys and it can be confusing. This guy has the more elongated snout that the meeki and pasionis have compared to the others, but colors are off for pasionis, closer to meeki. Could possibly be a hybrid I suppose, I would believe pure meeki though.

I was thinking it could be a hybrid as well but again I’m not that familiar with the species since this is my first Firemouth. Thank you tho! Regardless what it is, its an awesome addition to the tank!