Firemouth Cichlid

Thorichthys meeki

Named for the fiery red throat it flares during display. Robust and adaptable, but an avid digger — use sand and anchored decor.

Care Parameters

Adult size

15 cm

Min tank

114 L

Temperature

22–30°C

6–8.2

6–18 dGH

Diet

Omnivore

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Water zone

Middle

Difficulty

Intermediate

Schooling

Keep as a pair in a roomy tank.

Suitable Plants

Staurogyne repens

Care profile for Staurogyne repens: medium light, low CO₂, beginner difficulty.

Water Sprite

A fast-growing, fern-like plant that can be floating or planted. Provides excellent cover for fry and absorbs nutrients rapidly. Very easy to grow.

Blyxa japonica

Care profile for Blyxa japonica: medium-high light, medium CO₂, intermediate difficulty.

Peacock Moss

A delicate aquarium moss with fine, feathery fronds that create a soft, flowing carpet. Attaches easily to hardscape and tolerates a wide range of conditions.

Cryptocoryne balansae

Care profile for Cryptocoryne balansae: medium light, low CO₂, intermediate difficulty.

Compatible Invertebrates

Ghost Shrimp

A see-through, feather-light scavenger sold by the handful. Tough across 3-15 dGH and a wide temperature band. Beware mislabeled tankmates: true Ghost Shrimp is Palaemon paludosus, while the larger, more predatory Macrobrachium species are often sold under the same name.

Vampire Shrimp

A large, impressive freshwater shrimp with fan-like appendages used to filter feed from the current. Can grow up to 15 cm and requires strong water flow and clean, well-oxygenated water.

Blue Diamond Shrimp

A selectively bred color morph of Neocaridina davidi with solid, opaque blue coloration. Hardy and easy to breed, making them popular for planted tanks.

Blue Bolt Shrimp

A striking blue color morph of Caridina cantonensis. Deep blue body with white banding. Extremely sensitive to water parameters — requires very soft, acidic water.