Firemouth cichlid size: how big does it get?

Adults reach about 14 cm. The largest on record measured 17 cm (total length). Record sizes among the 189 Cichlidae species on LumaReef: 3 cm (Viejita Dwarf Cichlid) to 80 cm (Giant Tanganyika Cichlid).

Firemouth cichlid tank size: what is the minimum?

A tank at least 120 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Wide tank or larger.

Firemouth cichlid water parameters: what does it need?

Temperature 23–28 °C, pH 6.8–8.0, hardness 6–20 °dGH. Close to what most Cichlidae on LumaReef need (23–28 °C).

Firemouth cichlid tank mates: what can it live with?

It gets along with 64 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Bristlenose pleco, Sailfin molly, and Giant danio.

Firemouth cichlid and plants: is it plant safe?

No, it may eat or uproot plants.

FreshwaterComing soon160 coinsUncommon

Firemouth cichlid

Thorichthys meeki

Before a fight it puffs its red throat and looks twice its true size.

The Firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a tropical freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. It swims in midwater, close to the bottom. Adults grow to about 14 cm; the largest on record measured 17 cm (total length). In the aquarium it needs a tank at least 120 cm long and water at 23–28 °C.

Size: 14 cm
Smallest tank: 120 cm
Temperature: 23–28 °C
Care: Moderate

In the aquarium

Temperature23–28 °C

pH6.8–8.0

Hardness6–20 °dGH

Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Activity: Moderate
Water layer: Mid water
Group: Lives on its own
Plants: Eats plants

These values are compiled from real species data, and the LumaReef simulation is built to keep them true to life.

Which tank it fits

Nano60 cm · 65 litresToo small
Standard90 cm · 180 litresToo small
Wide120 cm · 300 litres16 of them
Living room180 cm · 650 litres36 of them
Showcase250 cm · 1,200 litres66 of them
Gallery300 cm · 1,440 litres80 of them

Who it lives with

Gets along64 species

and 40 more species

Caution33 species

Narrow shared temperature range

Not together2 species

Water temperatures do not overlap

In the wild

Water type: Freshwater
Climate zone: Tropical
Habitat: Midwater, close to the bottom
Largest on record: 17 cmtotal length
Aquarium trade: Very common

Conservation status

Classification

OrderCichliformes
FamilyCichlidae
GenusThorichthys
SpeciesThorichthys meeki
Described byBrind, 1918

In other languages

Spanish: Mojarra boca de fuego
Dutch: Vuurkeelcichlide

Quick answers

Firemouth cichlid size: how big does it get?: Adults reach about 14 cm. The largest on record measured 17 cm (total length). Record sizes among the 189 Cichlidae species on LumaReef: 3 cm (Viejita Dwarf Cichlid) to 80 cm (Giant Tanganyika Cichlid).
Firemouth cichlid tank size: what is the minimum?: A tank at least 120 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Wide tank or larger.
Firemouth cichlid water parameters: what does it need?: Temperature 23–28 °C, pH 6.8–8.0, hardness 6–20 °dGH. Close to what most Cichlidae on LumaReef need (23–28 °C).
Firemouth cichlid tank mates: what can it live with?: It gets along with 64 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Bristlenose pleco, Sailfin molly, and Giant danio.
Firemouth cichlid: alone or in a group?: It can be kept on its own.
Firemouth cichlid and plants: is it plant safe?: No, it may eat or uproot plants.