Texas cichlid overview
The Texas cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) is the only cichlid native to the United States, found in the lower Rio Grande drainage in Texas and northeastern Mexico. Juveniles are greyish with pale spots, and adults develop a dark, spangled body with white and turquoise flecks and dark vertical markings. Selectively bred color forms such as red or blue varieties are sold as well.
It is a bold, territorial fish, and not a good choice for a beginner. If you are still deciding whether a cichlid suits you, start with our overview of how hard cichlids are to keep.
How big do Texas cichlids get?
Adults commonly reach around 10 to 12 inches, and males tend to be larger than females. Growth speed depends on food, water quality and genetics. Juveniles bought at a couple of inches grow steadily over the first year or two, so plan the tank for the adult size from the start. Many people keep them 10 years or longer with good care.
Tank size and setup
A single adult needs a big tank. Many sources give 75 gallons as a minimum and 125 gallons or more for a pair or for any tank mates. Juveniles can start in a smaller tank, but an upgrade will be needed.
- Substrate: Fine sand suits their digging habit.
- Decor: Use large rocks and driftwood stacked securely on the tank floor, not on top of sand. Texas cichlids dig and can topple loose arrangements.
- Plants: Most live plants get uprooted or chewed. Hardy species tied to decor or floating plants may survive, but fake plants are the safer choice.
- Lid: Use a heavy, well-fitting lid.
Water parameters and filtration
Texas cichlids tolerate a fairly wide range. Sources give temperatures anywhere from the low 70s to the low 80s °F, with a pH of roughly 6.5 to 8.0. They are subtropical fish, so there is no need to run the tank very hot.
They are messy and produce a lot of waste. Use strong filtration, good surface movement and regular partial water changes, often 25 to 40 percent weekly in a heavily stocked tank. Test nitrate and keep it under control.
Feeding
Texas cichlids are omnivores. A good cichlid pellet makes a solid staple. Add frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, krill or brine shrimp and some vegetable matter for variety. Avoid feeding mammal meats such as beef heart, as these are fatty and not well suited to fish. Do not overfeed, since uneaten food fouls the water quickly.
Temperament
Texas cichlids are aggressive and territorial, especially toward other fish when breeding or when space is limited. Temperament varies by individual: some tolerate tank mates, while others become impossible to house with anything. Some owners end up with a fish that must live alone. For a wider look at which freshwater fish cause tank problems, see our guide to aggressive freshwater fish.
What fish can live with Texas cichlids?
The safest answer is that many Texas cichlids do best by themselves or as a bonded pair. If you want tank mates, use a very large tank (125 gallons or more, longer is better) and choose fish of similar size that can defend themselves:
- Other large, robust Central or South American cichlids, such as a Jack Dempsey or a convict, with the understanding that results vary. Compare notes in our firemouth cichlid guide before assuming a mild cichlid can cope.
- Large, armored catfish such as common plecos.
- Big, fast fish that are too large to be eaten.
Avoid small fish, slow or long-finned fish like bettas and guppies, invertebrates and peaceful species like the rainbow cichlid, which are likely to be bullied. Always have a backup tank or divider ready, since a mix that works for months can fail when the fish mature or spawn.
How to tell if a Texas cichlid is male or female
Sexing can be difficult. Males are typically larger and more colorful and may develop a nuchal hump on the forehead as they age, though females can show a smaller one. The only reliable way is observing the genital papilla during spawning, or watching which fish lays eggs. Many keepers buy a group of juveniles and let pairs form, then remove extras before aggression becomes a problem.
Breeding basics
Texas cichlids are open spawners. A bonded pair cleans a flat surface, lays eggs and defends them aggressively, and both parents usually care for the fry. During this period, even a calm pair can become dangerous to other fish and sometimes to each other. If a pair is not compatible, you may need a divider.
Is a Texas cichlid right for you?
Consider one if you have space for a 75 to 125 gallon tank, can handle strong filtration and weekly water changes, and are happy with a single-species display. If you want a livelier mixed tank, a smaller and calmer cichlid is likely to be a better fit. Another large, specialized option is the Xingu pike cichlid, which has different needs entirely.