Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Firemouth Cichlid

Thorichthys meeki Brind, 1918

Also called Firemouth, Mojarra boca de fuego

SpeciesShort profile

From Central America: Atlantic slope of south-eastern Mexico (including the Yucatán Peninsula), Belize and northern Guatemala, in rivers, lagoons, cenotes and ponds.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length12 to 17 cm1 2 3

Sizemedium

Striking fiery-red throat

One of the milder Central American cichlids

Easy to breed with attentive parents

2 3

Looks how to spot one

Medium-sized, laterally compressed cichlid

A neat, oval cichlid with a brilliant red-orange throat and belly, dark flank bars with a central blotch, and sparkling blue-turquoise spots on the head and fins. Males carry longer, pointed fin tips.2 3

Coloursred-orange throat and bellygrey-blue to olive bodydark vertical barsturquoise spangles2 3

Personality what they are like

Fairly peaceful for a Central American cichlid. It prefers to bluff rather than fight, puffing out its red throat to warn rivals, and becomes protective while breeding.2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Spends much time near the bottom sifting sand for food and does well with open swimming space and some cover.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep the water clean in a mature tank with good filtration and routine water changes.2

Home where they are happiest

At least 120 x 30 cm for a pair, bigger for a group; soft sand, smooth rocks, roots and caves. Water about 23 to 30 C, pH roughly 6.5 to 8.5, soft to moderately hard.2 1 3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore: quality sinking foods plus frozen or live bloodworm, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae, with some plant-based food such as spirulina.2 1

Company who they like around

Forms monogamous pairs; outside breeding it can live in a group and alongside similar-sized, calm fish.2 3

The story where it all began

The firemouth was described by William Brind in 1918 and named after the American ichthyologist Seth Eugene Meek. It has been a popular aquarium fish for many decades thanks to its colour and manageable size.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Males flare their gill covers to flash the red throat as a warning to rivals.3
2
The genus name Thorichthys comes from Greek words meaning to leap and fish.2
3
In the wild it can live in cenotes, the natural limestone sinkholes of the Yucatán.2
4
A spawn can contain several hundred eggs, guarded by both parents.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 3 October 2018)1
Taxonomy: Described by Brind in 1918; formerly in Cichlasoma, Thorichthys raised to a full genus by Kullander in 19832

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Firemouth Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Firemouth Cichlid?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day, every day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests this routine to keep your fish healthy without overfeeding.2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Firemouth Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

As an omnivore, it enjoys quality sinking foods, frozen or live bloodworm, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and some spirulina. Never feed it anything not listed here; always check with a vet or good breeder for specific concerns.2 1

How much space does a Firemouth Cichlid need?

A pair needs at least a tank 120 x 30 cm, and a group needs more space. Provide soft sand, smooth rocks, roots, and caves for comfort.2 1 3

What temperature, light or water does a Firemouth Cichlid need?

Keep water between 23 to 30°C, pH roughly 6.5 to 8.5, and soft to moderately hard. Use a mature tank with good filtration and check temperature daily.2 1 3 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Firemouth Cichlid's home?

Change about 25% of the water weekly, test water weekly, and clean the glass weekly. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Firemouth Cichlid live with others?

Yes, it is fairly peaceful and can live with similar-sized, calm fish. Outside breeding, it can be in a group, and it forms monogamous pairs.2 3

How long does a Firemouth Cichlid live?

Lifespan varies; ask a vet or good breeder for specific estimates. With proper care, they can live many years.

Can I handle a Firemouth Cichlid?

It is best not to handle this fish; it prefers to bluff rather than fight and is sensitive to stress. Enjoy watching its beautiful colors and behavior instead.2 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Thorichthys meeki fishbase.seused for taxonomy, range, size, water, IUCN, breeding
Seriously Fish: Thorichthys meeki seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank size, water, diet, behaviour, etymology
Wikipedia: Firemouth cichlid en.wikipedia.orgused for name, size, behaviour, fun facts

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.