Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
Also sold as Firemouth · Black gullet firemouth
Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 12 cm (4.7 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 68–90°F (20–32°C) and pH 6.5–8.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 108 L (29 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 12 cm (4.7 in) |
| Minimum tank | 108 L (29 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 68–90°F (20–32°C) |
| pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Firemouth Cichlid needs at least 108 L (29 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 29 Gallon.
- It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 4 cm (1.6 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and White Cloud Minnow.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Iridescent Shark, Senegal Bichir and Black Ghost Knifefish: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 68–90°F (20–32°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
- One of them takes up roughly 22% of what a 29 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 108 L (29 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 29 Gallon.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
68–90°F (20–32°C), pH 6.5–8.5.
How long does it live?
8–10 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Firemouth Cichlid | Convict Cichlid | Boesemani Rainbowfish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 12 cm | 15 cm | 12 cm |
| Min tank | 108 L | 90 L | 200 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 6+ |
| Temperature | 68–90°F (20–32°C) | 75–82°F (24–28°C) | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | Yes |
More livestock
Sources (6) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Group sizefishkeepingworld.com
- Group size, Diggingfishlore.com
- Mature tank, Diggingseriouslyfish.com
- What it eatsaquariadise.com
- fishkeepingworld.com
- fishlaboratory.com