CheckMyFishTankFiremouth Cichlid care
Thorichthys meeki · Freshwater · Intermediate level care
A fairly calm cichlid with a bright red throat that it flares.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish. Cichlid pellets, frozen foods, flakes.
Eats fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Claims a territory and guards it.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Firemouth Cichlid in a 80 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Neon Tetra: Firemouth Cichlid grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.
- Cardinal Tetra: Firemouth Cichlid grows big enough to eat Cardinal Tetra.
- Green Neon Tetra: Firemouth Cichlid grows big enough to eat Green Neon Tetra.
- Black Neon Tetra: Firemouth Cichlid grows big enough to eat Black Neon Tetra.
- Ember Tetra: Firemouth Cichlid grows big enough to eat Ember Tetra.
- Lemon Tetra: Firemouth Cichlid grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
- Glowlight Tetra: Firemouth Cichlid grows big enough to eat Glowlight Tetra.
- Serpae Tetra: Firemouth Cichlid grows big enough to eat Serpae Tetra.
Questions
What size tank does a Firemouth Cichlid need?
At least 40 gallons. Adults grow to about 6 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Firemouth Cichlid like?
72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6.5 to 8. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Firemouth Cichlid should I keep together?
One is fine. If you keep more, keep one male, since males fight each other.
What do Firemouth Cichlid eat?
Cichlid pellets, frozen foods, flakes. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.