Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki Brind, 1918
Also called Firemouth, Mojarra boca de fuego
From Central America: Atlantic slope of south-eastern Mexico (including the Yucatán Peninsula), Belize and northern Guatemala, in rivers, lagoons, cenotes and ponds.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
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.23
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.23
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.213
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.21
Company who they like around
Forms monogamous pairs; outside breeding it can live in a group and alongside similar-sized, calm fish.23
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.123
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 Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Firemouth Cichlid. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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 Furry Diary 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.21
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.213
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.213 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary 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.23
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.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- 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
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.