Texas Cichlid

Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichliformes›Cichlidae

📍 Texas & Northeast Mexico (Rio Grande drainage)

The only cichlid native to the United States. Pearl-spotted body that intensifies with age. Hardy and cold-tolerant. Aggressive and destructive to plants — best in a bare-bottom or rocky tank with robust tankmates.

Size12"

Min Tank55g

aggressive

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Texas Cichlids are omnivorous and require a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Supplement with vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods 2-3 times weekly. Feed adults once daily in portions they can consume within 2-3 minutes.

Behavior

Highly aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding season and as they mature. They are destructive diggers and plant uproots, preferring bare-bottom or rocky setups. Active mid-water swimmers that establish dominance hierarchies; keep only with similarly-sized, robust fish capable of defending themselves.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult but achievable with proper conditioning and tank setup. Pairs are monogamous and highly aggressive toward other fish during spawning; provide caves or PVC pipes for spawning sites. Expect 300-1000 fry per spawn; parents guard eggs and fry intensively but may eat them if stressed.

Tank Mates

Convict Cichlid

Similar aggression level and size; can coexist if tank is large with adequate territories

good

Jack Dempsey

Comparable temperament and water requirements; both are hardy and aggressive cichlids

good

Firemouth Cichlid

Smaller than Texas Cichlid; only suitable if Texas is not overly aggressive or in very large tanks

caution

Bristlenose Pleco

Armored body deters aggression; nocturnal and occupies different tank zones

good

Silver Dollar

Fast schooling fish that may avoid aggression; requires open swimming space and larger tank

caution

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, flashing against surfaces, rapid breathing, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use ich medication (malachite green or formalin) following label directions; maintain good water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove sharp decorations, treat with antibacterial medication or salt baths (1 teaspoon per gallon for 10-15 minutes daily)

Hole-in-the-Head (Hexamita)

Symptoms

Small pits or holes in head region, loss of appetite, white stringy feces, lethargy

Treatment

Perform large water changes, improve diet with quality foods and vitamin supplements, treat with metronidazole if severe; ensure excellent water quality and reduce stress

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Open sores, red streaks on body, swollen areas, torn fins, cloudy eyes

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform daily 25-50% water changes, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; maintain pristine water conditions and remove any sharp tank decor