Family: Cichlidae
Rio Grande Cichlid — a Cichlidae from Texas, N America, territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Reaches 22.5–33 cm; a pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. 20–33 °C.
Herichthys cyanoguttatus is a Cichlidae from Texas, N America. In the wild it prefers lakes and slow rivers with structure; in the aquarium it stays territorial. Plan on 22.5–33 cm of adult fish at 20–33 °C. In a community tank it pairs well with Large robust catfish.
Difficulty: moderate. Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. A pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave.
Hold 20–33 °C and keep it stable — 20–33 °C recorded range. Heater required for stable tropical warmth.
Adults reach 22.5–33 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 500 litres.
Omnivore with a protein lean — quality cichlid pellets. It forages naturally over sand with rock piles, so let some food reach the bottom.
Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace; a pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. Good company: Large robust catfish — Ignore the posturing below. Keep away from Small or timid fish — Bullied relentlessly.
Comes from Texas, N America: lakes and slow rivers with structure. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
Dedicated pair-bonded spawner; expect fry defence. Often striking; males larger and brighter.