The Texas Cichlid, also known as the Rio Grande Cichlid, is a freshwater fish with the scientific name Herichthys cyanoguttatus.
It’s the only cichlid species native to the United States and comes from the lower Rio Grande area in Texas near Brownsville and Northeastern Mexico.
These fish can grow over 11 inches (28 cm) long and have unique features like cream and turquoise spots.
Adult male Texas Cichlids also develop a bump on their heads called a nuchal hump. They prefer water temperatures between 68°F to 91°F (20°C to 33°C) and don’t handle rapid temperature changes well.
Texas Cichlids live in small to large rivers with warm water and vegetation. They eat worms, crustaceans, insects, and plants.
Texas Cichlid Interesting Facts
- Texas Cichlids are the only cichlid species native to the United States, found in the lower Rio Grande area and Northeastern Mexico.
- These fish can grow over 11 inches long, with unique cream and turquoise spots, and adult males develop a bump called a nuchal hump.
- They prefer water temperatures between 68°F to 91°F and don’t handle rapid temperature changes well.
- Both parents care for their eggs together when reproducing.
Texas Cichlid Habitat
Originally, Texas Cichlid was found in the lower Rio Grande area in Texas, USA, and northeastern Mexico. It was later introduced to central Texas and Florida, USA, as well as the Verde River basin in Mexico.
The Texas Cichlid lives in freshwater environments near the bottom (benthopelagic).
It prefers water with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5 and a hardness (dH) of 5 to 12. Its ideal water temperature is 68°F to 91°F (20°C to 33°C).
This fish is native to subtropical regions between latitudes of 32°N and 25°N.
| Water Temperature: | 68°F to 91°F (20°C to 33°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.5 to 7.5 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 12 dH |
Texas Cichlid Physical Characteristics
Size: 4.5 inches (11.3 centimeters)
The Texas Cichlid is a fish with a maximum length of 30.0 cm (about 12 inches) for males. However, the average length is usually around 11.3 cm (about 4.5 inches).
Texas Cichlid Reproduction
When Texas Cichlids have babies, both the mother and father take care of their eggs together.
Texas Cichlid Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Herichthys |
| Scientific Name: | Herichthys cyanoguttatus |
| Also Known As: | Texas Cichlid, Rio Grande Cichlid |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |