Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
Cichlidae
About
The Texas cichlid is the only cichlid native to the United States, ranging through the lower Rio Grande drainage of Texas and northeastern Mexico. A robust, pearl-speckled fish reaching around 30 cm, it is exceptionally hardy and tolerates cool subtropical water that would stress most tropical cichlids. It is also intensely aggressive and territorial, digs relentlessly and uproots plants, so it demands a large tank and carefully chosen, similarly sturdy tankmates.
Care
House singly or as a bonded pair in a large tank of at least 120 cm base (around 300 L) with sand substrate, robust rockwork and strong filtration. Expect heavy digging, so avoid rooted plants and secure all decor. Keep only with large, non-timid tankmates and use a tight lid.
Diet
Opportunistic omnivore that eats insects, larvae, snails, small fish and plant matter in the wild. Staple on a quality cichlid pellet with frozen and live meaty foods plus some greens, and control portions to manage its heavy bioload.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (91)
Avoid (180)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- Extended finsStrong · from about 8 months, and later in a suppressed male
On many cichlids and killifish the male's dorsal and anal fins draw out into trailing points as he matures, while the female's stay rounded.
- VentingA hint only · only on a mature fish, easiest when she is in breeding condition
The method breeders use when the answer has to be right. Hold the fish upside down in a wet hand or soft net and look at the two openings ahead of the anal fin. The forward one is the anus; the one behind it is what you are reading.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Texas Cichlid need?
- A Texas Cichlid needs an aquarium of at least 300 litres (79.3 US gallons) with a footprint at least 120 cm (47.2 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Texas Cichlid need?
- Texas Cichlid does best at 18–30 °C (64.4–86 °F), pH 6–8 and a general hardness of 5–15 °dGH.
- Is the Texas Cichlid suitable for beginners?
- Texas Cichlid sits in the middle of the difficulty scale — manageable for a careful beginner who has done the reading, but it has specific needs worth researching first.