Texas Cichlid

Herichthys cyanoguttatus is found naturally in the Rio Grande drainage of Texas and northeastern Mexico, making it the northernmost naturally occurring cichlid in the Americas. It inhabits rivers, streams, and lakes with a variety of substrates, demonstrating considerable adaptability to water conditions. Adults develop a steel-grey to olive-brown body densely covered in iridescent turquoise-white spots and a bold black blotch at the mid-body and tail base.

The Texas Cichlid is a large and aggressive fish that requires substantial space and robust tankmates. During breeding, aggression escalates significantly and the pair will defend their territory and fry vigorously against all comers. The Texas Cichlid is also one of the parent species used in the production of the spectacular Red Texas hybrid.

Despite its aggression, the Texas Cichlid is a rewarding species to keep. It is intelligent, long-lived, and its brilliant spotting becomes more vivid with age and in good health. It can tolerate water temperatures down to about 15°C, reflecting its temperate native range.

Water: 20–28°C, pH 6.5–8.0, tolerates moderate to hard water; hardy and adaptable to a range of conditions. Tank: Minimum 350L for a pair; robust filtration; use large rocks and driftwood for territory definition. Feeding: Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen foods, earthworms, feeder invertebrates; will excavate substrate while foraging. Breeding: Open substrate spawner; both parents guard eggs and fry aggressively; remove other fish during breeding. Compatibility: Very aggressive especially when breeding; best kept with other large robust cichlids or alone as a specimen fish.