Firemouth Cichlid 10cm (Thorichthys meeki)

Bring colour and personality to your aquarium with the Firemouth Cichlid. Known for its red-orange throat, silver-grey body and shimmering blue-green highlights, this Central American cichlid makes an attractive feature fish in a spacious, carefully planned freshwater setup.

Supplied at approximately 10cm, this is a larger specimen rather than a small juvenile. Adults typically reach around 12–15cm, so allow room for further growth. Colour and fin development vary between individual fish.

Firemouths are best suited to established aquariums with suitable tank mates, sandy feeding areas and sheltered territories. They are interesting to watch as they explore and sift the substrate, but can become territorial, especially when breeding.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific name: Thorichthys meeki
• Sale size: Approximately 10cm.
• Adult size: Around 12–15cm; males generally grow larger.
• Temperature: 24–27°C as a practical maintenance target.
• pH: Approximately 6.5–8.0, with stable conditions.
• Temperament: Territorial, particularly when breeding.
• Tank size: Plan for at least 120cm in length for an established compatible pair. Groups and mixed communities need more space.
• Diet: Omnivore; suitable sinking pellets, vegetable-containing prepared foods and frozen foods.
• Experience: Best for fishkeepers comfortable managing cichlid behaviour.

Is This Fish Right for Your Aquarium?

A Firemouth is a good option for a roomy freshwater aquarium with carefully chosen, similarly sized companions. Avoid tiny fish and ornamental shrimp, which may be eaten, and aggressive tank mates that could bully it.

Provide separate shelters and watch for persistent chasing. Two Firemouths do not automatically form a compatible pair, and breeding fish may defend a substantial area of the aquarium.

Setup and Feeding

Use a mature, fully cycled aquarium with dependable filtration. Soft sand supports natural feeding behaviour, while smooth rocks and aquarium-safe wood provide cover. Secure decorations so digging cannot destabilise them.

Feed appropriately sized sinking cichlid pellets, include a prepared food with vegetable content and offer suitable frozen foods for variety. Give modest portions and remove leftovers.

Browse our cichlid food, aquarium filters and 4ft aquariums to complete your setup.

Shop Firemouth Cichlids at Aquaholics

Explore our American cichlid range or visit Aquaholics in Baringa on the Sunshine Coast. If you are unsure whether a Firemouth will suit your existing fish, contact us with your tank dimensions and current stocking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Firemouth Cichlid fully grown?

This fish is supplied at approximately 10cm. Adults typically reach around 12–15cm, so it may still grow further. Males generally grow larger than females.

Are Firemouth Cichlids aggressive?

Firemouths are territorial, especially when breeding. They may display, chase or fight with other fish. A spacious aquarium, separate shelters and carefully selected tank mates help manage aggression.

Can I keep it with small fish or shrimp?

Tiny fish and ornamental shrimp may be eaten. Choose suitably sized companions with compatible temperaments and water requirements, and monitor introductions closely.

What size tank does a Firemouth need?

Plan for a tank at least 120cm long for an established compatible pair, with sufficient width for shelters and territories. Groups or mixed communities need more space.

What should I feed it?

Offer appropriately sized sinking cichlid pellets, a vegetable-containing prepared food and suitable frozen foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia. Feed modest portions and remove uneaten food.