Best for
Aquariums where its role fits: territorial cichlid.
F
Fish · Freshwater
Firemouth cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
Firemouth cichlid is a popular community aquarium fish.
Difficulty
Beginner
Aggression
7/10
Schooling
Yes
Size
5.00 cm
Minimum volume
40 L
Temperature
22.0-28.0 ºC
Zone
Midwater
Lifespan
5 years
Quick profile scan
fish
Territoriality
High
Aggression
7/10
Activity
Moderate
Thermal sensitivity
Medium
Bioload
High
Speed
Moderate
Predation risk
Opportunistic
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Check whether this species fits your aquarium
Analyze volume, parameters, behavior and relationships with other species.
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Quick verdict
A practical summary to quickly decide whether it fits your aquarium.
Typical risk
Bioload and adult volume should be planned with margin.
Aquarium zone
Where it lives best
Surface
Midwater
primary
Bottom
Quick compatibility
Community signals
Shrimp
Conditional
Snails
Compatible
Slow fish
Conditional
Aggressive fish
High risk
Small fish
Conditional
Large fish
Conditional
Delicate plants
Conditional
Buying decision
Before buying Firemouth cichlid
Review these points before adding it to your aquarium. They are practical notes based on its profile, ecological data, and known relationships.
L
Adult volume
Make sure your aquarium is above 40 L before buying it.
G
Minimum group
Do not keep it alone if it needs a group; plan space for the right number of individuals.
T
Territory and cover
Prepare visual cover and calm areas if it will live with other species.
B
Bioload
Plan filtration, water changes, and total stocking: this species can heavily load the system.
Parameters
Water conditions
pH
6.5 - 7.5
GH
5 - 15
KH
3 - 10
Temperature
22.0 - 28.0 ºC
Growth and behavior
Juvenile to adult
Juvenile
As a juvenile it is usually more flexible and less dominant than an adult. Even so, it benefits from cover, stable parameters and tank mates that do not compete intensely in the midwater area.
Shift
The most important adult change is increased spatial and biological pressure, so the aquarium should be planned for the long term.
Adult
As an adult it may defend specific areas and increase pressure on tank mates that stay too close. The aquarium layout should include visually separated territories.
Ecological profile
Role and biological pressure
Territorial Cichlid
Centerpiece
Medium
High
Moderate
Opportunistic
Profile: territorial cichlid or fish, with high bioload and primary use of the midwater area. It can adapt to calm communities, although it usually behaves better with compatible companions. It may show opportunistic predation toward fry or very small animals. Provide hiding places, visual barriers and enough room to prevent constant pressure.
Ecological radar
profile
Territoriality
78%
Aggression
70%
Activity
52%
Thermal sensitivity
52%
Bioload
78%
Common mistakes
What to avoid
Keeping it in tanks below the recommended adult volume.
Keeping too few individuals for a social species.
Designing the aquarium without shelter or visual barriers.
Essential care
Keep in groups of at least 6 specimens. It prefers tanks with open swimming space, some current and weekly water changes.
Daily time
10 min
Related biomes
Breeding
It is an egg-laying fish and relatively easy to breed. It scatters eggs among plants or over the substrate and provides no parental care.
Oviparous
Easy
Hembras más redondeadas y robustas. Machos más esbeltos y algo más amarillentos.
Alerts and health
- Mantener en grupo
- Espacio para nadar
- Acuario tapado
- Corriente suave a moderada
Common issues
Ich
Podredumbre de aletas
Parásitos externos
Expert notes
Interesting details
01
Es una de las especies más usadas en investigación biomédica
02
Sus rayas permanecen visibles durante toda la vida
03
Es un pez muy activo y gregario
Editorial confidence
Last review: June 2026
Content based on parameters, ecological profiles and manual relationships.
Profile data
Ecological profile
Manual relationships
General aquarium observation
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