Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
Cichlidae
About
The firemouth cichlid is a hardy, moderately sized Central American cichlid from the slow rivers, pools and lagoons of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, named for the fiery red throat and belly a displaying male flashes. Famously more bluff than brawl, it puffs out its bright gill covers to look larger and intimidate rivals rather than truly fight, which makes it an excellent first cichlid. A bonded pair does turn genuinely territorial and protective once it spawns, guarding fry with real conviction.
Care
Keep a bonded pair in a tank of 150 L or more with a soft sand bed, sturdy rooted or potted plants, and caves or flat rocks. Peaceful for a cichlid outside breeding, but expect digging, pit-building and firm territory defence when it spawns.
Diet
Sand-sifting omnivore; feed sinking cichlid pellets plus frozen or live bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and mysis, with a little vegetable matter. Avoid excessively fatty foods.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (114)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.