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. A thinking fish that rearranges décor and learns its keeper — and punishes bare, crowded tanks. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 22.5–33 cm. A pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. Over-filter for its messy habits, aquascape with rock walls, and respect its claimed corner. Maintain 20–33 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
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