Species profile
Firemouth Hybrid / Mutt
Thorichthys hybrid
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
200 L minimum aquarium
10–15 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Generic Thorichthys-type hybrid. Treat as moderately territorial Central American cichlid.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–30 °C
pH
6–8.2
GH
6–18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
2.5
Generic Thorichthys/Firemouth-hybrid care only. Territorial displays and digging are expected, but temperament can vary materially with unknown parentage.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
200 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 40 cm
Alternative names
Firemouth Hybrid, Thorichthys hybrid, Firemouth Mutt
Native range
Captive hybrid of unresolved Thorichthys parentage; no wild native range can be assigned.
Natural habitat
Use sand/fine substrate, wood/rock sight breaks and moderate filtration in a tank with enough floor area for territorial behaviour.
Diet & feeding
Feed a varied omnivorous cichlid diet with quality pellets and small frozen/live invertebrates; do not assume the exact feeding ecology of T. meeki applies to every hybrid.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Hybrid parentage reduces the value of colour/fin cues; breeding tubes and observed spawning are more reliable.
Breeding
If fertile, a Thorichthys-type biparental substrate-spawning pattern is likely, but reproductive behaviour cannot be guaranteed without parentage.