(Herichthys carpintis)

Also known as: Pearlscale Cichlid, Lowland Cichlid

The Green Texas Cichlid is a bold and beautiful New World cichlid species known for its iridescent green and blue pearl-like spots and confident personality. Native to northeastern Mexico, this species is often confused with the true Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus), but differs in pattern, coloration, and natural range. H. carpintis is a favorite among hobbyists for its vivid coloration, intelligence, and interactive behavior.

Origin and Habitat

• Native Region:
  
• Endemic to the Pánuco River basin in northeastern Mexico
• Natural Habitat:
  
• Found in slow-moving rivers, lagoons, and streams
• Prefers areas with muddy or sandy bottoms, submerged branches, and warm water

Physical Characteristics

• Size:
  
• Males: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
• Females: Typically 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
• Coloration:
  
• Base color: Olive to dark green or gray
• Covered in bright turquoise or green pearly spots across the body and face
• Males often develop a nuchal hump with maturity
• Fins may have red, orange, or blue highlights
• Lifespan:
  
• 10–12 years with proper care

Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament:
  
• Highly aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding
• May bully or kill smaller or less assertive tank mates
• Social Behavior:
  
• Best kept solo, as a breeding pair, or with other robust New World cichlids in large tanks

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size:
  
• 75 gallons minimum for a single adult
• 100+ gallons for pairs or mixed cichlid setups
• Water Parameters:
  
• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• Hardness: Moderate to hard (8–20 dGH)
• Tank Setup:
  
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
• Decor: Rocks, driftwood, and sturdy décor to form caves or territories
• Must be securely placed—Texas Cichlids will dig and rearrange the tank
• Strong filtration and regular water changes are essential

Diet and Feeding

• Feeding Type: Omnivorous (leans toward carnivorous)
• Diet in Captivity:
  
• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets or sticks
• Supplements:
  
• Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, krill, earthworms, shrimp
• Vegetables: spinach, zucchini, peas, spirulina-based flakes
• Feeding Schedule:
  
• Feed once or twice daily in controlled portions

Breeding

• Pair Bonding:
  
• Forms monogamous pairs
• Can become very aggressive to tank mates when guarding fry
• Spawning Behavior:
  
• Eggs are laid on flat rocks or tank glass
• Both parents guard eggs and fry aggressively
• Fry Care:
  
• Once hatched, fry can be fed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes
• May need to remove fry or parents depending on aggression levels

Tank Mates

• Compatible With:
  
• Other large, aggressive cichlids: Oscars, Jack Dempseys, Red Devils (with caution)
• Armored catfish like Plecos or large Synodontis
• Avoid:
  
• Small, peaceful, or slow fish—will likely be attacked or eaten
• Overcrowded tanks without clear territories

Is the Green Texas Cichlid Right for You?

✅ Excellent for aquarists seeking a flashy, interactive, and powerful cichlid

✅ Beautiful color pattern makes it a striking display fish

✅ Suitable for large cichlid-specific tanks

❌ Not suitable for community aquariums or peaceful tank mates

❌ Needs lots of space, maintenance, and attention to aggression

The Green Texas Cichlid is a living gem with attitude—best kept by aquarists who can match its bold energy and provide the space and care it needs to thrive. 🐟💎🔥

(Herichthys carpintis)

Also known as: Pearlscale Cichlid, Lowland Cichlid

The Green Texas Cichlid is a bold and beautiful New World cichlid species known for its iridescent green and blue pearl-like spots and confident personality. Native to northeastern Mexico, this species is often confused with the true Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus), but differs in pattern, coloration, and natural range. H. carpintis is a favorite among hobbyists for its vivid coloration, intelligence, and interactive behavior.

Origin and Habitat

• Native Region:
  
• Endemic to the Pánuco River basin in northeastern Mexico
• Natural Habitat:
  
• Found in slow-moving rivers, lagoons, and streams
• Prefers areas with muddy or sandy bottoms, submerged branches, and warm water

Physical Characteristics

• Size:
  
• Males: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
• Females: Typically 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
• Coloration:
  
• Base color: Olive to dark green or gray
• Covered in bright turquoise or green pearly spots across the body and face
• Males often develop a nuchal hump with maturity
• Fins may have red, orange, or blue highlights
• Lifespan:
  
• 10–12 years with proper care

Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament:
  
• Highly aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding
• May bully or kill smaller or less assertive tank mates
• Social Behavior:
  
• Best kept solo, as a breeding pair, or with other robust New World cichlids in large tanks

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size:
  
• 75 gallons minimum for a single adult
• 100+ gallons for pairs or mixed cichlid setups
• Water Parameters:
  
• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• Hardness: Moderate to hard (8–20 dGH)
• Tank Setup:
  
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
• Decor: Rocks, driftwood, and sturdy décor to form caves or territories
• Must be securely placed—Texas Cichlids will dig and rearrange the tank
• Strong filtration and regular water changes are essential

Diet and Feeding

• Feeding Type: Omnivorous (leans toward carnivorous)
• Diet in Captivity:
  
• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets or sticks
• Supplements:
  
• Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, krill, earthworms, shrimp
• Vegetables: spinach, zucchini, peas, spirulina-based flakes
• Feeding Schedule:
  
• Feed once or twice daily in controlled portions

Breeding

• Pair Bonding:
  
• Forms monogamous pairs
• Can become very aggressive to tank mates when guarding fry
• Spawning Behavior:
  
• Eggs are laid on flat rocks or tank glass
• Both parents guard eggs and fry aggressively
• Fry Care:
  
• Once hatched, fry can be fed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes
• May need to remove fry or parents depending on aggression levels

Tank Mates

• Compatible With:
  
• Other large, aggressive cichlids: Oscars, Jack Dempseys, Red Devils (with caution)
• Armored catfish like Plecos or large Synodontis
• Avoid:
  
• Small, peaceful, or slow fish—will likely be attacked or eaten
• Overcrowded tanks without clear territories

Is the Green Texas Cichlid Right for You?

✅ Excellent for aquarists seeking a flashy, interactive, and powerful cichlid

✅ Beautiful color pattern makes it a striking display fish

✅ Suitable for large cichlid-specific tanks

❌ Not suitable for community aquariums or peaceful tank mates

❌ Needs lots of space, maintenance, and attention to aggression

The Green Texas Cichlid is a living gem with attitude—best kept by aquarists who can match its bold energy and provide the space and care it needs to thrive. 🐟💎🔥