Fish
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus · also called rio grande cichlid
Holding steady in a Rio Grande current considerably cooler than most cichlids could tolerate, a Texas cichlid flashes iridescent turquoise speckling across its body, the sole cichlid species that can call the United States home.
Overview
The Texas cichlid, Herichthys cyanoguttatus, is a hardy, cold-tolerant fish native to wetland and grassland river habitat across the Rio Grande basin of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Its status as the only cichlid species native to the United States, unusual tolerance for cold water compared with tropical relatives, and iridescent turquoise speckling make it one of the most geographically and physiologically distinctive members of the entire cichlid family.
A tropical family’s coldest-tolerant member
While most cichlids are strictly tropical fish that suffer badly outside warm water, the Texas cichlid has adapted to the more seasonal temperature swings of the Rio Grande basin, a tolerance that sets it apart from nearly every other species in its family.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable wetland and grassland river habitat throughout the Rio Grande basin and northeastern Mexico.
Texas Cichlid: common questions
Why is the Texas cichlid unusual among cichlids?
This species is the only cichlid native to the United States and tolerates noticeably colder water temperatures than almost any other cichlid, an adaptation that lets it survive seasonal temperature drops that most other tropical cichlid species could not endure.
Where does the Texas cichlid live in the wild?
This species is native to wetland and grassland river habitat across the Rio Grande basin of southern Texas, extending further south across northeastern Mexico, making the Rio Grande basin its only natural range within the United States.
Are Texas cichlids good parents?
Yes, both parents aggressively guard the eggs and later shepherd the free-swimming fry as a tight group, defending them fiercely against perceived threats, a form of dedicated biparental care typical of many cichlid species.
What is the hump on a mature male Texas cichlid's forehead?
Mature males of this species often develop a pronounced fatty hump on the forehead, known as a nuchal hump, a feature associated with size, age, and breeding condition that is also seen in several other related cichlid species.