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Yellow firemouth (Thorichthys callolepis) — Cichlidae

Yellow firemouth

Thorichthys callolepis
Family: Cichlidae

The Yellow firemouth (Thorichthys callolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The yellow firemouth is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from slow-flowing rivers and pools of southern Mexico. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, yellow-green body with glittering blue spots and a dark spot on the gill cover. As a bottom-dweller it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates, worms and detritus. It is a caring parental brooder that fiercely defends the young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yellow firemouth?

The Yellow firemouth has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Yellow firemouth live?

The Yellow firemouth lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Mexico

How big does the Yellow firemouth get?

The Yellow firemouth grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Yellow firemouth dangerous to humans?

No, the Yellow firemouth is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Yellow firemouth sourced
Scientific name
Thorichthys callolepis
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
San Domingo cichlid sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Mexico sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Thorichthys

More from the family Cichlidae

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