WILD ABOUT TEXAS: Rio Grande cichlid only variety native to United States

SAN ANGELO, Texas - When one visits a zoo, nature center or even the local Walmart, one main attraction is the aquatic section, with all of the live fish in aquariums. A dazzling array of species is available, and some of the most popular varieties are from the cichlid (pronounced sic-lid) family.

Most of the varieties available come from exotic places such as Lake Tanganyika and Lake Malawi in Africa or the Amazon River and its tributaries. However, one species is native to West Central Texas: the Rio Grande cichlid.

The Rio Grande cichlid (Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum) is a moderately sized freshwater fish that occurs in the Rio Grande and Pecos River basins of West Central Texas. It may also be found in bodies of water throughout random areas of the state as a result of deliberate introductions. In addition to being the only cichlid species native to Texas, it is the only variety native to the United States.

This fish can be quite attractive in coloration. Adults' background coloration typically is light, with four to six dark bars extending vertically on the back half of the body, giving the fish a two-toned appearance. The entire body is covered with small white and/or iridescent blue spots. The forehead is pronounced, and two black spots are noticeable on the body: one in the center of the lateral side, the other at the base of the tail fin. Immature animals lack the definitive spotting and pronounced forehead.

Like other members of the cichlid family, the Rio Grande cichlid is of moderate length and build. Adults may reach up to a foot in length and are half as tall as long. The largest weight on record was a whopping 1.5 pounds. Juveniles have a more streamlined outline, beginning as small as one-eighth of an inch in length.

Rio Grande cichlids are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates and vertebrates. Smaller cichlids obviously prefer to feed on smaller items, such as microscopic organisms, while the adults will not hesitate to feed on smaller fish, insects, frogs and an occasional baby water snake. This species is a slow but deliberate hunter, relying on camouflage to sneak up on its prey. As colorful as this species is, its blue, green and white spots actually aid in the camouflaging process as these colors appear as bubbles under the water.

Spawning generally occurs in the spring, and both parents defend the nest and subsequent young. These young fish are known as fry and can number in the hundreds. Many are eaten by other fish, and some are even feasted upon by their siblings if the food supply is low. Growth is fast, with maturity achieved in less than one year.

Unlike most other native fish, this species is dependent on warmer water temperatures. It generally does not survive if the water temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.


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