Can bristlenose plecos live with firemouth cichlids?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Bristlenose plecos and firemouth cichlids get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 75–81°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Bristlenose plecoBristlenose pleco73–81°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Firemouth cichlidFiremouth cichlid75–86°F · pH 6.5–8

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–81°Bristlenose pleco 73–81°Firemouth cichlid 75–86°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Bristlenose pleco 6.5–7.5Firemouth cichlid 6.5–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Bristlenose pleco · 5 inFiremouth cichlid · 6 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

Bristlenose plecoFiremouth cichlid
Temperature73–81 °F75–86 °F
pH6.5–7.56.5–8
Adult size5.0 in6.0 in
Minimum tank30 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomBottom
GroupAlone or in pairsAlone or in pairs
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for bristlenose plecos

All bristlenose pleco tank mates

Better tank mates for firemouth cichlids

All firemouth cichlid tank mates

Questions

Can bristlenose plecos live with firemouth cichlids?

Yes. Bristlenose plecos and firemouth cichlids get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 75–81°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both bristlenose plecos and firemouth cichlids?

75–81 °F. Bristlenose plecos need 73–81 °F, firemouth cichlids need 75–86 °F.

What size tank do bristlenose plecos and firemouth cichlids need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the bristlenose pleco. Add space for each extra fish.