Texas cichlid - Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Scientific name: Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Common name: Texas cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 25 - 30 cm (9.84 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 12°N (89.29 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: North America

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Origin

The Texas Cichlid is a natural species that is found in the USA, they have not been introduced originally in Central America but colonies have been introduced further afield.

Lifespan

10-12 years. Sometimes more.

Short description

The Texas Cichlid displays a beautiful colouration but don’t be fooled by its appearance. This fish is highly territorial and will be aggressive towards other species of fish and even breeding can be difficult as the males may show aggression towards the females.

They inhabit slow moving waters that are dense with vegetation, these conditions should be replicated in the aquarium by keeping the water flow at a low rate. They are well known for being substrate diggers so growing live plants can be a problem but they are happy with minimal décor such as terracotta pots or even a few rocks. Artificial plants can be added but these will be moved around by this fish.

Like all large cichlids they are high waste producers so use a suitable filtration system and back this up with regular water changes on a weekly basis.

Feeding

Give them live food as well as vegetables based food which is bloodworms, tubifex, spinach, granules, tablets, small fish. These are not fussy eaters, they will accept quality flakes or pellets but you must supplement this with treats of live or frozen foods. For extra vegetable matter, spirulina flakes are ideal.

Sexing

Males are larger than females. Males may also develop extended finnage as they mature and some may even develop small nuchal humps on their forehead.

Breeding

Texas cichlids lay eggs on a previously cleaned rock. Female can lay from 200 to 1000 eggs at one time. Then the are fertilized by male. When eggs hatch, remove or divide parents from fry. Fry should be fed Artemia salina.

Extreme care should be taken when introducing the female to the male, the males have been known to kill females with their aggression so be ready to separate them if signs of this happening occurs.

Both parents will show parental care and guard the fry from any danger, often rounding them up in their mouths to group to a safer spot.

Additional information and picture

Thanks to Jan Wirén for allowing us to use his picture. The second picture was sent to us from one visitor.