Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus Baird & Girard, 1854
Also called Rio Grande cichlid, Rio Grande perch, Mojarra del norte
From North America: the lower Rio Grande drainage in southern Texas, USA, and north-eastern Mexico; also established in central Texas rivers and some other areas.123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Large, deep-bodied cichlid
A robust cichlid dotted all over with rows of small pearly turquoise and cream spots on a darker body, with an iridescent blue-green sheen. Mature males develop a forehead hump, and breeding fish turn pale grey on the front half for a striking contrast.32
Personality what they are like
Confident and strongly territorial, particularly males in smaller tanks; best with large, sturdy companions or on its own.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A constant digger that rearranges sand and gravel, and an alert, intelligent hunter.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Powerful filtration, good oxygenation and weekly water changes of around a quarter to a half; avoid rooted plants and undergravel filters.2
Home where they are happiest
At least about 120 x 45 x 45 cm (around 255 litres) for one fish, much larger for a pair; 5 to 8 cm of sand or fine gravel, smooth rocks, wood and clay pots. Water about 20 to 28 C (cooler end of its natural 20 to 33 C range), pH roughly 6.0 to 7.5, moderately soft to medium hardness.213
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore: quality pellets as a base with frozen or live foods plus vegetables such as blanched spinach or peas.21
Company who they like around
Forms monogamous pairs, usually a larger male with a smaller female; raising six or more youngsters together lets a pair form naturally.23
The story where it all began
Baird and Girard described the Texas cichlid in 1854 from the Rio Grande. It is the only cichlid whose natural range includes the United States, and it became a well-known aquarium fish in the 1980s.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 18 October 2018)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Baird and Girard in 1854; formerly in Cichlasoma, now in Herichthys3
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Texas Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseevery 2 weeks
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Texas Cichlid?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed your Texas Cichlid once every day. Offer quality pellets as a base, plus frozen or live foods and vegetables like blanched spinach or peas. Adjust portions based on your fish's appetite and the food label, and ask your vet for guidance.21 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Texas Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Texas Cichlid is an omnivore that enjoys quality pellets, frozen or live foods, and vegetables such as blanched spinach or peas. Avoid feeding it anything not listed here, and never give it foods meant for other animals or human snacks without checking with a vet.21
How much space does a Texas Cichlid need?
A single Texas Cichlid needs a tank of at least about 120 x 45 x 45 cm, which is around 255 litres. For a pair you will need much more space, and the tank should have 5 to 8 cm of sand or fine gravel, smooth rocks, wood and clay pots.231
What temperature, light or water does a Texas Cichlid need?
Keep the water temperature between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius, with a pH of roughly 6.0 to 7.5 and moderately soft to medium hardness. Provide good filtration and oxygenation, and avoid undergravel filters; lighting can be standard aquarium lighting.231
How often should I clean a Texas Cichlid's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly water change of about 30 to 50% of the tank, along with a weekly water test. Rinse the filter every 14 days, and remember that powerful filtration is important because this fish is a constant digger.2 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Texas Cichlid live with others?
Texas Cichlids are confident and strongly territorial, especially males in smaller tanks. They can form monogamous pairs, usually a larger male with a smaller female, and are best kept with large, sturdy companions or on their own. Raising six or more youngsters together lets a pair form naturally.23
How long does a Texas Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment, so it is best to ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for a reliable estimate. With proper care, they can live many years, but no specific number is given in our sources.
Can I handle a Texas Cichlid?
Handling is not recommended because these fish are confident and territorial, and they can be stressed by being touched. It is best to observe them in their tank and only handle when absolutely necessary, such as during tank maintenance, and ask a vet for safe methods.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Herichthys cyanoguttatus fishbase.seused for taxonomy, range, size, water, IUCN
- Seriously Fish: Herichthys cyanoguttatus seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank size, water, diet, behaviour, breeding
- Wikipedia: Texas cichlid en.wikipedia.orgused for names, size, appearance, history, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.