Texas Cichlid: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

The Texas cichlid is a large fish covered in pearl-blue spots. It digs, rearranges the tank, and attacks most tankmates, so it is usually kept alone.

Adult size
11.8 in30 cm
Smallest tank
75 gallons284 liters
Comfortable in
75 gallonor bigger
How many
One only
Temperature
68–82 °F20–28 °C
pH
6–7.5
Temperament
Aggressive
Swims
In the middle
Heater needed
In a cool room

What size tank does a texas cichlid need?

At least 75 gallons (284 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 75 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Herichthys cyanoguttatus.

How many texas cichlids in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if texas cichlids are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Keep one texas cichlid per tank, whatever the size. Of the common sizes, these are big enough: 75 gallon, 125 gallon.

Check texas cichlids against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

  • Very aggressive: keep one, or a mated pair, with no other fish it can bully.
  • Keep one per tank. Two will fight over the floor.
  • It eats fish small enough to swallow. Choose tankmates at least half its length.

Tank mates for texas cichlids

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

  • Betta: Texas cichlid (about 12 in) can eat betta (about 2.6 in).
  • Guppy: Texas cichlid is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as guppy.
  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.

Questions and answers

What size tank does a texas cichlid need?

At least 75 gallons (284 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 75 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many texas cichlids should be kept together?

Just one. Texas cichlid adults fight each other in a home tank.

Can texas cichlids live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Texas cichlid needs at least 75 gallons (284 liters), and grows to 12 in (30 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.

What temperature do texas cichlids need?

68–82 °F (20–28 °C), with a pH of 6–7.5. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.

Can texas cichlids live with a betta?

It is not a good match. Texas cichlid (about 12 in) can eat betta (about 2.6 in).

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.