Texas Cichlid

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceMid-size tank

  Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Swim bladder disorder

The Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) is native to the Rio Grande drainage in Texas and northern Mexico, the only cichlid naturally found in the United States, and reaches about 25 to 30 cm. Adults are covered in pearlescent blue-white spots over a darker body, and dominant males develop a pronounced nuchal hump. Its natural range means it tolerates cooler water than most cichlids, doing well from about 20C upwards. An adult needs 450 litres or more at 20-28C, pH 6.5 to 8.0 in moderately hard water, with a sand bed, heavy rockwork and no delicate plants, which it will excavate. Feed quality cichlid pellets with frozen krill, mysis and vegetable content. It is a powerful, territorial fish that digs constantly and defends a wide area, and a breeding pair is genuinely dangerous to anything smaller. Keep it with large robust cichlids in a big tank, secure the hardscape so digging cannot topple it, and treat it as a fifteen-year fish, because well kept it commonly reaches that age.

• How active is a Texas Cichlid?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Texas Cichlid need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Texas Cichlid need?

  Mid-size tank. Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Is a Texas Cichlid a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Texas Cichlid live?

  10–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Texas Cichlid?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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