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Texas Cichlid

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Complete Texas Cichlid care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, aggressive temperament, minimum 75 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Advanced.

Texas Cichlid

Quick Answer

Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) is the only cichlid native to the United States. It requires a minimum 75 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 8.0 and temperature range of 22-26°C. As a omnivore with aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) is the only cichlid native to the United States. Its body is covered in brilliant turquoise spots on a blue-gray background.

Setup

A 75-gallon or larger tank with robust filtration, caves, and open swimming areas. They dig, so secure rocks and decorations. Hardy plants may be uprooted.

Feeding

Omnivorous; eats cichlid pellets, flakes, frozen foods, live foods, and vegetable matter. Feed a protein-rich diet for color.

Compatibility

Highly aggressive and territorial. Best kept singly. If pairing, provide a very large tank. Tankmates must be large and aggressive: Jack Dempsey, Convicts, large catfish.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 8.0

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Butterflyfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet semanticSimilarity African Cichlid Care Guide: Tank Size & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity Bala Shark Care Guide: Tank Size & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Texas Cichlids should be kept together?
Keep only one per aquarium, even in tanks over 150 gallons (568 liters). Texas cichlids (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) are large, aggressive cichlids covered in blue pearl spots that will aggressively defend large territories. Two individuals in any size tank fight to severe injury and death. A single adult requires a minimum of 75 gallons (284 liters) with a footprint of 48x18 inches (120x45 cm). Provide massive stone structures and driftwood. Use a tight-fitting lid; they are jumpers. Avoid with any fish under 4 inches (10 cm).
What are the exact water parameters for Texas Cichlids?
Target pH 6.5 - 8.0, General Hardness 6 - 15 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 5 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 150 - 400 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 300 - 800 μS/cm, and temperature 68°F - 75°F (20°C - 24°C). They prefer cooler temperatures than most cichlids; high heat (above 78°F/25.5°C) causes stress. Maintain nitrates below 20 ppm with weekly 30% water changes. Use a canister filter rated for 2x tank volume (10x turnover). Provide sand or gravel substrate; they dig heavily. Strong filtration is mandatory.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Texas Cichlids?
They are hefty omnivores requiring 45% protein, 12% fat, 43% plant matter. Feed premium large cichlid pellets (Hikari Gold), krill, freeze-dried earthworms, and vegetable-based wafers twice daily. Supplement with frozen silversides and bloodworms. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) and formalin. Praziquantel is safe. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat external parasites. Quarantine with metronidazole (5 mg/L) for 10 days. Susceptible to hole-in-the-head; maintain pristine water.
How to breed Texas Cichlids with environmental triggers?
Condition a bonded pair with live earthworms and krill for 3 weeks. Raise temperature to 75°F (24°C) and perform 30% water change with slightly cooler (65°F/18°C) water. Provide a flat slate or large rock. The pair cleans the site; female lays 500-1,500 eggs. Both parents guard and fan eggs. Eggs hatch in 72-96 hours at 72°F (22°C). Wrigglers become free-swimming in 7-10 days. Feed crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, and microworms. Parents are aggressive protectors; remove only if they eat fry. Frequent 30% water changes are critical.

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