Texas cichlid Profile

The Texas cichlid, known scientifically as Herichthys cyanoguttatus, is a freshwater fish native to the Rio Grande basin in Texas, USA, and northeastern Mexico. It exhibits a striking appearance with a base color of pearl gray to light blue embellished with iridescent blue spots or blotches, earning it the nickname "Rio Grande perch." Texas cichlids are the only cichlids native to the United States, making them quite distinctive. They have a robust and laterally compressed body shape, typical of many cichlids. In the aquarium hobby, Texas cichlids are well-regarded for their vibrant colors and relatively large size, but their aggressive behavior requires careful consideration in community tank setups.