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Encyclopedia / Cichlids / Firemouth cichlid
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Variations

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Firemouth cichlid

Thorichthys meeki · Firemouth

Territorial but less aggressive than most Central American cichlids.

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17 cmAdult size ✓
24–28 °CTemperature ✓
6.5–8pH ✓
108 LSmallest tank ✓
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Tank mates
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Not recommended
  • Firemouth cichlid eats animals up to about 4 cm. Neon tetra only grows to 2.5 cm.
  • Only a narrow temperature range suits both: 24–25 °C.
Not recommended
  • Firemouth cichlid eats animals up to about 4 cm. Cardinal tetra only grows to 3 cm.
Not recommended
  • Firemouth cichlid eats animals up to about 4 cm. Black neon tetra only grows to 3.2 cm.
With conditions
  • Only a narrow temperature range suits both: exactly 24 °C.
With conditions
  • Only a narrow temperature range suits both: 24–25 °C.
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible

340 species in our list are a good match.

Facts checked against sources on 16 Oct 2026. ✓ means a source backs it; ? means no reliable source yet. See sources

Care and water

Hardness ✓2–15 dGH
Group size ✓2 or more
Temperament ✓Semi-aggressive
Swims at ✓Bottom
Care level ✓Moderate
Diet Omnivore
Lifespan ?Unknown
Size in shops 3–4 cm
Growth Medium

Behavior

Territorial but less aggressive than most Central American cichlids.

Food

Pellets, frozen foods.

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Male or female

Hard to sex when young. Adult males grow larger, with longer dorsal and anal fin filaments, and are more intensely coloured, especially when spawning.

Health

Common problems. Tap one to see the signs. This is a guide, not a diagnosis.

Breeding

Egg-layer (substrate spawner) · Moderate

Open substrate spawner: eggs are laid on a flat rock, driftwood or a broad leaf, and both parents guard them; care of the fry continues for several weeks.

Pairing

Buy a group and let pairs form.

Setup

A 30-40 gallon (110-150 L) tank with caves and flat stones, 24-27 C.

What starts it

Warm water and good food. Pairs dig pits.

Eggs

About 100-500 eggs; the fry swim freely about 4-5 days after spawning.

Raising the fry

Feed baby brine shrimp, then crushed flake. Parents guard fry.

Common mistakes
  • Tank too small
  • Poor water quality
  • Not having hiding places
Full breeding guide, day-by-day plan and simulator →

Where it lives in the wild

RegionMexico, Guatemala & Belize
Rivers and lakesUsumacinta River basin and Yucatán Peninsula
HabitatSlow rivers, lagoons and cenotes
Native rangeAbout 400 km across
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The story of the firemouth cichlid

Shows the bright red underside of its head and throat in threat displays to rivals; in a study, males fed more carotenoids (redder) won more contests.

William L. Brind described the firemouth in 1918. Its bright red throat is puffed out in displays to warn rivals rather than to fight. It is one of the more peaceful Central American cichlids for a community tank.

First described by William L. Brind in 1918.

  • It flares its red throat to warn rivals.
  • It is less aggressive than many cichlids.
  • It digs small pits in sand.

Sources

16 facts checked with sources