CICHLID – TEXAS
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
$7.99 – $69.99
The Texas Cichlid is the only cichlid species that occurs naturally in the United States, found in the Rio Grande drainage in the southern US [Texas] into Mexico. One of the most belligerent cichlids, the Texas cichlid requires a very large aquarium to thrive on its own, let alone if the hobbyist is attempting to house it with other species (see ‘Care Requirements’ below). Maintaining the aquascape in an aquarium with a Texas cichlid will feel like a losing battling, as they constantly dig and move what décor is present. An adult Texas cichlid can reach a size of approximately 12″, with males averaging larger than females. Males will also have pointed dorsal and anal fins, and a hump on their head that develops with maturation. Pairing a male and female Texas cichlid can be difficult, namely because determining sex of adolescent individuals can be challenging.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: No
General Description: The Texas Cichlid is the only cichlid species that occurs naturally in the United States, found in the Rio Grande drainage in the southern US [Texas] into Mexico. One of the most belligerant cichlids, the Texas cichlid requires a very large aquarium to thrive on its own, let alone if the hobbyist is attempting to house it with other species (see ‘Care Requirements’ below). Maintaining the aquascape in an aquarium with a Texas cichlid will feel like a losing battle, as they constantly dig and move what decor is present. An adult Texas cichlid can reach a size of approximately 12″, with males averaging larger than females. Males will also have pointed dorsal and anal fins, and a hump on their head that develops with maturation. Pairing a male and female Texas cichlid can be difficult, namely because determining sex of adolescent individuals can be challenging.
Diet Requirements: Texas cichlids, in nature, feed predominately on small aquatic invertebrates but will also consume plant matter. One the unfussiest eaters, a diet made up of various high quality protein and vegetable based foods are ideal. Such options include frozen brine shrimp, mussels, and pieces of krill. Foods containing Spirulina algae are a plus. Texas cichlids will accept large sinking pellet foods and flake foods, but these should not make up the majority of their diet. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An aquarium no less than 6 feet in length should be used for a Texas cichlid. At minimum, a 75 gallon aquarium is thus ideal for a Texas cichlid. Smaller or juvenile specimens can be kept in smaller quarters (no less than 30 gallons), but the aquarium will have to be upgraded accordingly and even young Texas cichlids can be incredibly territorial. This cichlid cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm) as Texas cichlids are intolerable of high nitrates and deteriorating water parameters. Equipping the aquarium with a canister filter can also be advantageous to maintain a healthier environment for a Texas cichlid. The aquarium should be aquascaped with some stacked rocks to create caves, or the use of broken terra cotta pots can be used as refuges. Ample unobstructed and open swimming space should also be provided. A sandy or fine substrate several inches deep is preferred and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. Compatability with other fish comes down to the size of the aquarium the Texas cichlid is kept in first and foremost, and then the size of the individual. This species is often kept as the only fish in an aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 74-84° F, KH 5-12, pH 6.0-7.0.
Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/4” to 1-1/2”, Medium: 1-3/4” to 2”, Large: 3” to 4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.