The Texas Cichlid is the only cichlid species native to the United States. Known for their striking pearlescent blue/green spots and extreme territorial behavior, they require large tanks and robust filtration. They are notorious for rearranging aquariums, digging massive pits, and destroying live plants.
Texas Cichlid At a Glance
Texas Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Texas Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Texas Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Texas Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Texas Cichlid Water Parameters
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Texas Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Texas Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult (Standard)
Fully grown Texas Cichlid. Highly territorial and requires a large footprint (minimum 75 gallons / 280L). Best kept solitary or with similarly sized, robust tank mates in a very large aquarium.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Adult Texas
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young Texas Cichlid commonly sold at 2-3 inches. They will grow rapidly and become increasingly aggressive. Can temporarily be housed in smaller aquariums but will require a major upgrade.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Juvenile
Texas Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Texas Cichlid, scientifically known as Herichthys cyanoguttatus, belongs to the Cichlids - Central American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 30 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Texas Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 8–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Texas Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Adult (Standard) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Texas Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Texas Cichlid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Texas Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Texas Cichlid is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, snails will be treated as food rather than tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Texas Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Texas Cichlid.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Cichlid
How big does Texas Cichlid get?
Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 30 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Texas Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Texas Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Texas Cichlid need?
Texas Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 8–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Texas Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Texas Cichlid is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Texas Cichlid live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Texas Cichlid should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Will Texas Cichlid eat snails?
Yes. Texas Cichlid actively feeds on snails. While this can be useful for controlling pest snail populations, it means decorative snails should not be housed with this species.
Does Texas Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Texas Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Texas Cichlid
These plants pair well with Texas Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Texas Cichlid
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis
A stunning subtropical 'eartheater' cichlid native to the Uruguay River basin. Unlike typical Amazonian cichlids, they are temperate and benefit from a seasonal winter cooling period. As their name implies, they continuously sift the substrate for benthic invertebrates, making a soft sand substrate an absolute necessity to prevent mouth and gill damage. While generally peaceful for a cichlid, they become fiercely territorial during breeding.
Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
A large, incredibly colorful, and highly aggressive South American cichlid. Known for their striking metallic green/blue scales and vibrant orange or white tail margins. As their name suggests, they are highly territorial and require very careful tankmate selection, usually only coexisting with other large, robust cichlids or armored catfish in very large tanks.
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Crenicichla compressiceps
A striking dwarf pike cichlid native to the fast-flowing rapids of the lower Rio Tocantins basin in Brazil. Known for their distinctive vertical green/yellow banding and elongated shape. As a rheophilic (flow-loving) species, they require highly oxygenated water with strong current to thrive. Despite their small size, they have a fiery temperament, are highly territorial, and are active micropredators that will hunt shrimp and small fish.
Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma trifasciata
A stunning dwarf cichlid native to the Guaporé and Paraguay river basins in South America. They are renowned for their striking metallic blue sheen and the male's spectacular sail-like dorsal fin. As peaceful micropredators, they are excellent for planted community tanks, but require soft, acidic water, stable parameters, and a fine sand substrate to sift through.
Parrot Cichlid
Hoplarchus psittacus
The 'True' Parrot Cichlid is a large, stunning South American species known for its brilliant emerald green coloration and distinctive dark facial markings. It should NOT be confused with the man-made 'Blood Parrot' hybrid. Originating from blackwater rivers, it is highly sensitive to water quality and requires pristine, warm, soft, and acidic water. Due to its massive adult size, it requires a massive aquarium and will consume any fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Pastel Cichlid
Cribroheros alfari
A strikingly beautiful Central American cichlid known for its pastel yellow, pink, and blue iridescent coloration. It is a substrate-sifting species that loves to dig in sand. Like many Central American cichlids, it can be highly territorial and aggressive, especially during breeding. Requires robust filtration and spacious quarters.