Texas cichlid

Care at a glance

The Texas cichlid is the only cichlid native to the United States, occurring in the Rio Grande drainage. It is olive grey with a dense pattern of glittering blue-green spangles and a black blotch in the middle of the flank.

Because it comes from an area with cold winters, it tolerates lower temperatures than most cichlids. It digs energetically and is decidedly territorial, so give it a large tank with heavy, stable decor and only equally robust tankmates.

Good to know

• Territorial
• Outgrows most home tanks
• Digger — needs fine sand

Best not combined with

• GuppyPoecilia reticulata
• AngelfishPterophyllum scalare
• Discus (common)Symphysodon aequifasciatus
• Heckel discusSymphysodon discus

Related species

• FlowerhornCichlasoma × hybride
• Upside-down catfishSynodontis nigriventris
• Blood parrot cichlidAmphilophus citrinellus × Vieja melanurus
• Featherfin synodontisSynodontis eupterus
• Cuckoo synodontisSynodontis multipunctatus
• Orangehead tapajos eartheaterGeophagus pyrocephalus