Green Texas Cichlid

Thanks to the shiny green–turquoise spots on its dark background, the green Texas cichlid looks more striking than the Texas cichlid. The spots cover almost the entire body; a few black blotches are lined up along the middle of the body. Mature males develop a prominent nuchal hump.

For a long time it was thought to be a form of the Texas cichlid, and the two names are still used interchangeably in the trade. Regional forms collected from different locations are bred separately by enthusiasts. Some "green Texas" fish in stores may be hybrids; a hobbyist who wants the pure species should turn to a known breeder.

It lives in rivers, lakes and spring pools of the Pánuco River system in northeastern Mexico. The water is usually clear, moderately hard and alkaline; the temperature drops in the winter months. For this reason it tolerates temperatures down to 20°C, but 22–26°C is ideal in the aquarium.

• Volume: at least 300 liters and 150 cm of length for a single adult or a pair.
• Decor: heavy rocks, caves and roots; plants are uprooted because it digs the substrate.
• Water: alkaline, moderately hard water; change 30% weekly.
• Equipment: a powerful canister filter, a guarded heater and a tight lid.

Omnivorous. Use quality large cichlid granules as the staple; supplement with frozen shrimp, mysis, bloodworms and vegetables. Plant matter aids digestion. One meal a day is enough for adults; juveniles are fed small portions two or three times a day.

Like the Texas cichlid, it is manageable when young and becomes territorial and tough at maturity. It is especially aggressive toward members of its own species and similarly colored cichlids.

Good companions: robust cichlids of the same size (Jack Dempsey, Vieja species, green terror) in a very large aquarium; large plecos; silver dollars.

Avoid: small fish, shrimp, snails, calm South American cichlids, planted aquariums.

Kept alone or as a naturally bonded pair. Raising juveniles together is the safest way; once the bonded pair is separated, the others should be moved to another aquarium.

During breeding the front part of the body turns pale and the rear half darkens. The pair lays a few hundred eggs on a stone it has cleaned; the larvae are moved into pits in the sand. The parents guard the fry for a long time. The fry are fed baby brine shrimp.

• Hole-in-the-head disease (HLLE): with dirty water and poor nutrition.
• Fight wounds: especially in setups with two males in the same aquarium.
• Digestive problems: with overfeeding; skipping food one day a week eases digestion.
• Excessive temperature: immunity weakens in water constantly above 28°C.

The male is larger with longer fins; its nuchal hump is prominent. The female is smaller and stockier; during breeding her black-and-white contrast can be sharper. Sexing is confirmed by the papilla.