Firemouth Cichlid

Thorichthys meeki

Firemouth Cichlid is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.

Semi-AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in)
Aquarium size: 120 L or larger / ≥ 100 cm (≥ 39.4 in) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 23–30 °C
pH: 6.5–8
GH: 8–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 120 L or larger / ≥ 100 cm (≥ 39.4 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–30 °C, pH 6.5–8, GH 8–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Firemouth Cichlid needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Firemouth Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 120 L or larger / ≥ 100 cm (≥ 39.4 in) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Agassiz’s Apistogramma Apistogramma agassizii Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in) 22–29 °C Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 7 cm (≤ 2.8 in) 22–29 °C Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in) 21–28 °C African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 22–26 °C Barlow’s Apistogramma Apistogramma barlowi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 6.5 cm (≤ 2.6 in) 22–29 °C Blue Dolphin Cichlid Cyrtocara moorii Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 25 cm (≤ 9.8 in) 23–28 °C

FAQ

How large does Firemouth Cichlid get?

Firemouth Cichlid reaches ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in).

What aquarium size does Firemouth Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 120 L or larger / ≥ 100 cm (≥ 39.4 in) minimum length.

Is Firemouth Cichlid peaceful?

Firemouth Cichlid needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Firemouth Cichlid?

Keep it between 23 to 30 °C.