Rio Grande Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus)

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.

Care parameters

Water temperature
20–33 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
22.5–33 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace
Origin
Texas, N America

Species overview

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.

Native biotope

Habitat
Lakes and slow rivers with structure
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Sand with rock piles
Hardscape
Stones, caves and broken lines of sight
Plants
Hardy species that tolerate digging

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
A pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave
Diet
Omnivore with a protein lean — quality cichlid pellets
Recommended tankmates
  • Large robust catfish — Ignore the posturing below
Avoid keeping with
  • Small or timid fish — Bullied relentlessly

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Often striking; males larger and brighter
Breeding method
Dedicated pair-bonded spawner; expect fry defence

Frequently asked questions

Is Rio Grande Cichlid easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. A pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave.

What temperature and water chemistry does Rio Grande Cichlid need?

Hold 20–33 °C and keep it stable — 20–33 °C recorded range. Heater required for stable tropical warmth.

How big does Rio Grande Cichlid get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 22.5–33 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 500 litres.

What does Rio Grande Cichlid eat?

Omnivore with a protein lean — quality cichlid pellets. It forages naturally over sand with rock piles, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Rio Grande Cichlid live with other fish?

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.

Where does Rio Grande Cichlid come from?

Comes from Texas, N America: lakes and slow rivers with structure. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.

Does Rio Grande Cichlid jump?

Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.

How does Rio Grande Cichlid breed?

Dedicated pair-bonded spawner; expect fry defence. Often striking; males larger and brighter.