The Texas Cichlid originates from the Rio Grande region of  Texas and Mexico.  It is also known as the Rio Grande Cichlid.  It is known by the scientific names Herichthys Cyanoguttatus, Cichlasoma Cyanoguttatum and Nandopsis Cyanoguttatum.  The term “Cyanoguttatum” means blue spotted, in reference to its iridescent spots along the back half of its body and at the base of the caudal fin.  They have orange eyes.  The Green Texas Cichlid is known by the scientific name Herichthys carpinte and is also called the Pearlscale Cichlid.

The Texas Cichlid prefers warm water and vegetation.  A tank of from 50 - 100 gallons should be provided with rocks and hiding places.  The substrate should be fine sand, as the Texas Cichlid loves to suck up sand and filter it for food.  It will destroy most plants.  The water should be changed frequently and can improve the coloration of this cichlid.  Texas Cichlids will eat cichlid pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, flake foods, spirulina flakes and brine shrimp.

Females are smaller and less brightly colored.  Males develop a large hump on their forehead.  It is one of the easiest cichlids to spawn.  Females will clean a vertical rock surface and more than 500 eggs can be fertilized onto the surface.  They will hatch in about three days. The female helps remove the young from their shells and places them in a pit dug by the pair.  Both parents will care for the young.  Finely crushed flakes and brine shrimp should be provided when the fry are free swimming.

Tropical fish and aquarium information about freshwater species, fish care, fish facts, compatibility and aquarium maintenance.