Firemouth cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Recommended tank
- 150 L
- Maximum size
- 15 cm
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The firemouth cichlid from Central America bluffs with its throat: under tension it flares its fiery red gill membranes and throat into a threatening shield. It usually stops at display, since it would rather not actually fight.
It digs pits in the substrate and enjoys shifting gravel, so anchor plants firmly or choose tough species attached to wood and rock. Outside breeding it combines well with sturdy community fish; with fry, the pair defends a clearly marked territory.
Good to know
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.