Fauna
Fish

Texas Cichlid

Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Also known as Rio Grande Cichlid, Rio Grande Perch, Texas Perch

Texas cichlids are striking, pugnacious fish adorned with shimmering pearlescent spots across a deep olive body. Renowned as the only cichlid native to the United States, breeding pairs fiercely defend territories on rocky river bottoms, clearing gravel beds to lay adhesive eggs. Mature males develop a prominent cranial nuchal hump and display darkened bellies during courtship, warding off intruding sunfish and bass with flared gills.

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Texas Cichlid reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCrayfish, Mayfly Nymphs, Filamentous Algae
Predators
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Great Blue Heron
  • North American River Otter
ThreatsHabitat alteration, cold winter snaps in non-native ranges, and agricultural water withdrawal
HabitatsWarm springs, slow-moving rivers, lagoons, and vegetated ponds with rocky or sandy substrate
Life span5–10 years
Classification
  1. OrderPerciformes
  2. FamilyCichlidae
  3. GenusHerichthys
  4. SpeciesHerichthys cyanoguttatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Look near cover: Scan clear, spring-fed waters around submerged boulders, cypress roots, and boat docks.
  • Observe nesting behavior: Watch gravel shallows in late spring where bonded pairs guard circular nests.
  • Handle with care: Anglers should mind the sharp dorsal spines when handling captured specimens.
Related species
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