{"product_id":"blue-flash-firemouth-thorichthys-aureus","title":"Blue Flash Firemouth - Thorichthys aureus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlue Flash Firemouth (Thorichthys aureus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blue Flash Firemouth is an attractive Central American cichlid admired for its iridescent blue-green markings, warm golden body tones and vivid colour around the throat and fins. Similar in shape and behaviour to the classic Firemouth Cichlid, it combines striking display colouration with a confident personality. Best suited to larger community or Central American cichlid aquariums, this species can become territorial, particularly when mature or breeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Flash Firemouth, Blue Flash Cichlid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThorichthys aureus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 15 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blue Flash Firemouth originates from freshwater habitats in Central America, where it is associated with rivers, streams, lagoons and slower-moving waters containing sandy or silty substrates, submerged wood and rocky areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt benefits from aquariums that provide open swimming space alongside structured territories and sheltered areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 7.0–8.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness: Moderate to Hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Kept low and stable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSemi-Aggressive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blue Flash Firemouth is generally manageable outside breeding periods but can become territorial towards similar cichlids and other bottom-oriented fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePairs may become considerably more defensive when spawning and should be given enough space to establish a territory.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffer a varied diet including quality cichlid pellets or granules, frozen or live brine shrimp, bloodworm, daphnia and other suitable meaty foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVegetable-based and spirulina-enriched foods can also be included regularly to provide dietary balance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 180 litres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA larger aquarium is recommended for pairs, groups or mixed cichlid communities, as additional space helps reduce territorial conflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blue Flash Firemouth is an active and confident cichlid that spends much of its time exploring the lower and middle areas of the aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt may sift through substrate and investigate caves, rocks and wood while establishing preferred territories.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide open swimming space together with sand or fine gravel, caves, driftwood and rockwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring territorial displays, individuals may flare their gill covers and show intensified colouration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommunity Suitability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSemi-Aggressive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blue Flash Firemouth can be maintained successfully with suitably sized, robust community fish and other compatible cichlids.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable tankmates may include larger tetras, robust barbs, peaceful catfish and Central American cichlids of similar temperament.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid very small, timid or delicate fish that may be intimidated or viewed as prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a spacious aquarium with good filtration and plenty of structured territories.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSand or smooth fine gravel is recommended, as the fish may sift and rearrange substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse securely positioned rocks and wood, particularly where mature fish may excavate around decorations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStable water quality and regular partial water changes are important for long-term health.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTerritorial behaviour often increases during breeding, so additional space and visual barriers are beneficial where more than one cichlid is maintained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA varied diet helps support strong blue iridescence and overall colour development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability can vary depending on season and supplier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":47412842168493,"sku":"AG-104676","price":6.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47412842201261,"sku":"AG-104677","price":8.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47412842234029,"sku":"AG-104678","price":12.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/BlueFlashFiremouth-Thorichthysaureus.jpg?v=1788566095","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/blue-flash-firemouth-thorichthys-aureus","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}