Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 75 gallons and 70-80°F. A stocky, pearl-spotted cichlid from the Rio Grande area. It is a bold, digging, territorial fish that outgrows most home tanks, so give it a large tank, strong filtration and tankmates that can hold their own.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Herichthys cyanoguttatus |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Rio Grande basin, Texas and northeastern Mexico |
| Adult size | 10-12 in |
| Minimum tank | 75 gallons |
| Temperature | 70-80°F |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| Temperament | Aggressive, territorial |
| Social behavior | Pair or solitary |
| Swim level | Bottom to mid |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore: cichlid pellets, frozen foods, some vegetable matter |
| Typical lifespan | 10-15 years |
Quick tips
- A pair needs 75 gallons at minimum; more if there are tankmates.
- Expect digging; secure rocks and keep plants in pots.
- Keep it with similarly sized, sturdy fish, not small community fish.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi