Texas Cichlid – Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Texas Cichlid, Herichthys cyanoguttatus formerly called also Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum is one of the most interesting freshwater aquarium fishes if you prefer study fish behavior and not just relax near a tank. Yes, if you’ll keep this fish in community tank there will be not too much time for relaxation.

I’m talking about notorious aggression in this fish behavior. Usually is not advised keep together American cichlids with other ciclids ( for example African “Mbuna” species and so on), but I has interesting experience, when a pair of Jewel cichlids, a group of about 10 Fairy cichlids and one big Cichlasoma lived together in one tank. It was really interesting community, Fairy cichlids defense central tank area, permanently spawning  Jewel cichlids occupied one corner, and big Texas cichlid – another corner. From time to time there was some attempt to conquer “foreign” part of tank from different groups, but in a whole there was permanent equilibrium and no one fish was seriously hurt in skirmish.

By the way, it’s not my recommendation to keep so different species together in single aquarium, but as from my experience it was one of most interesting tanks to study fish conduct.

Texas Cichlid is a beautiful and big fish. Do not feed it with “meat” food only, give them some “vegetables” too. Frozen spinach or lettuce from time to time will help to keep this interesting and smart fish in good health.