Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus)

Scientific Name(s): Herichthys cyanoguttatus, Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum, Herichthys cyanoguttatum

 

Common Name(s): Texas Cichlid, Rio Grande Cichlid

 

Family: Cichlidae

 

Species Type: North American Cichlids

 

Maximum Size: 12 inches

 

Life Span: 12 years

 

Natural Habitat: Texas Rivers (USA)

 

Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

 

Tank Region: All over

 

Possible Tank Mates: Oscars, Plecos and Blood Parrot Cichlids. Other large cichlids with similar water requirements

 

Description: Texas cichlids are normally a light grey with many small turquoise dots all over its body. They are normally confused with the carpinte but the difference is the carpinte has fewer larger spots that are normally a yellowish green rather than small bluish ones giving it the name "Green texas". The texas has a black spot in the centre of the body and one at the base of its tail that normally nearly if not completely vanishes with age. There are normally 3 black bars directly behind the spot in the middle of the body that intensify during spawning and the underside of the fish becomes completely black when in breeding coat.

 

Temperature Range 68°F - 86°F

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pH Range 6.4 - 7.6

pH 5.0

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pH 9.0

 

Hardness 5° - 15°

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Breeding Information: These cichlids are very easy to spawn. Females are ready to breed by 2-3 inches. The female will clean off a piece of slate or flat surface and lay up too 500-1000 eggs with the male following up and fertilizing them. Both parents prior to hatching dig a small pit for transfer. The female will now tend to the eggs while the male guards the perimeter. The pair's aggression is now at it's peak. A few "targets" like silver dollars or anything too fast must be used now to take some of the aggression from the male off of the female. Either that or a divider is most likely the case here unless you want to see its natural behaviour. The eggs hatch after 3-5 day's and the female will help the young out of the sacs. They are then transferred to the pit and stay there for another 5-8 days when the young then become free swimmers that feed off organic matter and can be fed after about another weak with baby brine, cyclops, crushed flake. The young should be removed upon reaching 3/4 inch.

 

Sexing Information: Males will develop a bump on their head.

 

Diet: Carnivorous - As juveniles you can feed small flakes or any type of ground cichlid pellets or fry crumble. As they grow, start feeding appropriately sized cichlid pellets as a staple. Frozen or freeze dried treats such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, beefheart or krill can be given on occasion. Live worms, fish, or crickets can also be given a few times per month. When feeding live fish, it is always best to raise your own to reduce the risk of introducing dieseases and parasites.

 

Temperment: Aggressive

 

Common Diseases: None specific to species.

 

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Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus)