How difficult is it to keep Firemouth Cichlid?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Firemouth Cichlid?

The ideal temperature for Firemouth Cichlid is 20〜32℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Firemouth Cichlid?

The average lifespan of Firemouth Cichlid is 8-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Firemouth Cichlid get?

Firemouth Cichlid typically reaches 12-17cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Firemouth Cichlid?

Firemouth Cichlid feeds on: Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Artemia, vegetable matter. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Firemouth Cichlid?

The price of Firemouth Cichlid varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Firemouth Cichlid

Beginner

Thorichthys meeki

A Central American cichlid with a vivid red throat and belly and a black ocellus on the gill cover. The English name comes from its threat display, in which the branchiostegal membranes are flared wide.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

20〜32℃

Lifespan

8-12 years

Size

12-17cm

Diet

Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Artemia, vegetable matter

About

Thorichthys meeki is a cichlid from the Atlantic slope of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, notably the Usumacinta and Belize River drainages. FishBase records a maximum of 17.0cm total length while Seriously Fish gives 12cm standard length, making it a medium-sized Central American cichlid. The throat and belly turn vivid red, and in threat displays the branchiostegal membranes are flared to make the fish look larger, which is the origin of the name Firemouth. Aquarium conditions are broad: 20-32C, pH 6.5-8.5 and 2-15dGH, with a 120 x 30cm base and about 108 litres as the practical minimum. Outside breeding it is peaceful and gregarious, settling best in groups of eight or more. It digs in the substrate, so only robust, well-rooted plants survive. Pairs are monogamous substrate spawners and both parents guard the fry for several weeks. The IUCN Red List assesses it as Least Concern.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Firemouth Cichlid

The Firemouth Cichlid lives 8-12 years.

Size of the Firemouth Cichlid

The Firemouth Cichlid grows to 12-17cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Firemouth Cichlid

The ideal temperature for the Firemouth Cichlid is 20〜32℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Central America (Atlantic slope of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala)

Lifespan

8-12 years

Care Specifications

pH: 6.5–8.5
Hardness (GH): 2–15 dGH
Water Temp.: 20–32℃
Min. Tank: 108 L

Semi-aggressiveGroupBreeding: Easy

Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Thorichthys meeki Brind, 1918

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.