More info on Texas Cichlid

J

jdheff1982

No you're not! I'm Sparticus!
Aug 17, 2002
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Wichita, KS
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Hey all! I am kind of wanting to plan for the future and I was kind of wanting to know how tall and wide these guys could get. The reason why I am asking is so I can prepare a proper cave for him in my tank. He is doing fine with what I have, but soon, I'll have to remove some decor and replace it with just a large cave and plants. Now since the footprint of my tank is 30"w x 20"t x 14¼"d, how would you guys set this up? Just remeber, this set up is only temp, not he cave, until I move out and get a larger tank!! (125g long woo hoo!!) Thanks!!

P.S.> Childawg: the tex is eating pellets just fine now!! He loves the HBH Spirulina.
 
Texas cichlid can get as big as 12" if taken care of properly. Since yours is 4" and in 30 something gallons tank, you need at least 2 times of 10% to 20% water change (if your cichlid is a messy eater). Proper size tank for full grown Texas Cichlid is 75g tank. If you do plan to have 125g tank, you can add another cichlid with the Texas Cichlid.

If you plan to use plant, make sure it is fake plant with weight on root. Texas cichlid likes to dig when mood strike. You don't have to use stone cave. You can use clay flowerpot. It is inexpensive, and you can find any flowerpot to fit your cichlid. My cichlids love the that kind of setting :D

If you can, try to find your cichlid some vege and meat. Vege, you can use soften peas, lettuce, and dice carrot (do not use corn. Fish can't digest in those food). Mix those vege with meat...it can be shrimp, beef heart, or krill. If you want to feed your cichlid worm, try earthworm. And I bet your Texas will add some weight and meat on his/her body in no time.
 
Thanks! I have already seen him in digging action and it is fun to watch! How would I go about slowing down his growing until I get a bigger tank? Or is this wrong?? I feed him the HBH Spirulina 1 to 2 times a day depending on when I am up. I work 3rd shift. That is why I am up now! :mad: Plus the frozen blood worms every few days.

As far as water change is concerned, peifc, you are saying I should do between 20% and 40% at one time??? I usually do 25% at each time. And no, he is not a messy eater. Especially since the pleco usually picks up after him.

BTW, is digging a trait found in both sexes of the Texas?? Thanks!!
 
Many of the cichlasomines are known as inveterate diggers, so I'd guess that Texas are no different...
 
A 75 would be best, but you could go with a 55... it will take some time before a texas would hit 12" (if it ever does...most get to 9-10"). I'm going to try breeding some carpintes in my 55...and see how that works.
 
No...I don't mean at one time of 20% - 40% water change. I'm talking about twice a week water change with 10% - 20% water change at one time. If you only plan to feed your fish just pellets, what you are doing it alright (my cichlids eat from shrimp to flakes. Messy...messy...and need water change twice a week).

Texas Cichlid isn't Cichlasoma Cyanoguttatus but Herichthys Cyanoguttatus. And yes, they are digger by nature, male and female.

DarthV is right. It will take your fish a while before it reaches even 10" mark. Housing in that 30 something gallons tank for a short while will be ok until you get a bigger tank (you can buy use tank if possible). Single Texas cichlid in 55g tank will be ok, but I will not suggest using breeding pair in that 55g tank. The male will end up killing the female in no time.
 
Originally posted by peifc
Texas Cichlid isn't Cichlasoma Cyanoguttatus but Herichthys Cyanoguttatus.
Click to expand...

True, but they are still cichlasomines because of their inclusion in that tribe. Cichlasoma cyanoguttatus is just a junior synonym of Herichthys cyanouguttatus.
 
Originally posted by DarthV
The male might kill the female in a 75gal as well...still only a 4' tank.
Click to expand...

However, have to remember, carpinte doesn't get as big as Texas Cichlid. Texas Cichlid can get 10" to 12" easily. Carpinte is smaller by few inches. 75g tank footprint is bigger, at least, for the Texas Cichlid than 55g tank. If breeding, bigger tank is better to give room for both fishes. I have planned to breed mine in 90g tank. 75g tank is best for "single" Texas Cichlid not for breeding pair.
 
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