Rob - 2008-07-04 I purchased 4 2" Texas Cichlids for my 120. I planned on growing them out, and keeping 2 that would be more colorful. I wound up with a breeding pair. They were all tolerant and social of each other, as long as there weren't any eggs, or fry in the tank. Here it is, 6 months later and 2 of them are now 6", 1 is 5" and 1 is 4". The only one I have a problem with, is the smallest one, because he and a Jack Dempsey I have, can't decide who has what territory. Other than that, mine were peaceful. Fish, like people, all have their own personality.
sushi - 2008-02-08 I did not do what a responsible owner should do, and decided to keep 2 texas cichlids in a 2 gallon tank. One killed the other one, but the one that is left has been living for...well 8 years now. 8 years seems long to me, especially since I kept it in a 2 gallon tank. Nevertheless, I love this fish!
Maddog Matott - 2007-04-03 I purchased Tex at 1-1/2" about 2-1/2 years ago. He has killed or seriously maimed all tankmates. I originally purchased him in a lot of three. Then after he killing his original companions, I introduced another pair about his size, same result. He's taken out two plecos and a pictus. He's ravaged two native sunfishes that were twice his size at the time. He is now almost 7" long and a loner, a wonderful pet who is genuinely excited to see me when I arise or return from work (perhaps it is because meal worms fall from the sky when I am around). He's to the point where when I add 20-25 small minnows, he finishes them off overnight.
Alisha - 2006-05-07 I started my tank in mid december, and filled it with a number of fishes. Two texas cichlids were put in with the lot (about the same size at the time, an inch and a half). One has grown DOUBLE the size as the other, at first the larger chased the smaller, but now they just dig pits in a corner and hover there. The red devil (which is about the size of the larger texas) chases them around whenever they get too close to 'his' territory. They don't seem as aggressive as the other fish in the tank (oscars, red devil, electric yellows, etc.) but they DID pull up all my live plants in the front of the tank (the ones in the rear are fine). this is the second time I've had an aggressive tank, and the texas cichlids are a great addition.
derek - 2006-03-23 One of he only fish ive been able to add to my tank with my red devil or midas cichlid. This fish is tough, its half the size of the red devil and holds it own. Also it can tolerate higher temps and ph than listed, i keep mine in a tank with two mbuna and the midas and they all do fine together.
Sarah - 2006-01-31 I've had my female tex for about 1 year now. She is about 7 inches long and very social. She shows no aggression whatsoever towards my irridesent sharks, catfish or discus. She is definetly a favorite among my friends who come to see my fish. This is one of my favorite cichlids.
Paul D. Swanson - 2005-04-15 My Texans are now on their second batch of fry. I rescued about 50 from the first batch and they are doing fine in other tanks. The second batch has been left in the tank with the parents. They take them out on "walks" every day and dote on them. The tank is full of other cichlids but they are nowhere to be found. They hide in the rocks and bushes until I throw in some food. Then they dart out and commence the feeding frenzy. The Texans have all their tank mates completely dominated. Its been two weeks and the fry are still there. Im guessing that in a few weeks they will mostly be gone unless they can find a place to hide in the bushes as well.
Paul D. Swanson - 2005-02-15 My Texans just spawned and both are protective parents. Both parents have scooped up the wigglers now and have deposited them in a central location where they hover and fight off all comers. It looks like they are eating the fry but they are simply relocating them. Those helpless wigglers are being eyed by all and sundry. But the brave parents will not let anyone close.
Trish - 2004-09-29 I have a texas cichlid which is now about 7 yrs. old and 10" long absolutely beautiful. blue dots all over him. looking at him I would describe him to be velvety as opposed to scaley. one heck of a dog like personality. he lives alone in a 100 gal. tank and he will follow me back and forth along it. sometimes i think he wants me to rub his belly.
michael - 2004-03-17 Texas cichlids have the same doglike characteristics as an Oscar if they are fed a good diet and given good water conditions. Mine is about 6 inches total and I have had him for 3 years. He is also one of the most beautiful aquarium fish available. My wife says it looks like he has green jewels all over him. Mine is not as aggressive as stated here, he gives a display (fins all the way out and shaking , as other cichlids do) but doesnt usually follow through with violence.
Named after the state where it originates, the Texas Cichlid is the only naturally occuring cichlid from the United States!
I purchased 4 2" Texas Cichlids for my 120. I planned on growing them out, and keeping 2 that would be more colorful. I wound up with a breeding pair. They were all tolerant and social of each other, as long as there weren't any eggs, or fry in the tank. Here it is, 6 months later and 2 of them are now 6", 1 is 5" and 1 is 4". The only one I have a problem with, is the smallest one, because he and a Jack Dempsey I have, can't decide who has what territory. Other than that, mine were peaceful. Fish, like people, all have their own personality.
I did not do what a responsible owner should do, and decided to keep 2 texas cichlids in a 2 gallon tank. One killed the other one, but the one that is left has been living for...well 8 years now. 8 years seems long to me, especially since I kept it in a 2 gallon tank. Nevertheless, I love this fish!
I purchased Tex at 1-1/2" about 2-1/2 years ago. He has killed or seriously maimed all tankmates. I originally purchased him in a lot of three. Then after he killing his original companions, I introduced another pair about his size, same result. He's taken out two plecos and a pictus. He's ravaged two native sunfishes that were twice his size at the time. He is now almost 7" long and a loner, a wonderful pet who is genuinely excited to see me when I arise or return from work (perhaps it is because meal worms fall from the sky when I am around). He's to the point where when I add 20-25 small minnows, he finishes them off overnight.
I started my tank in mid december, and filled it with a number of fishes. Two texas cichlids were put in with the lot (about the same size at the time, an inch and a half). One has grown DOUBLE the size as the other, at first the larger chased the smaller, but now they just dig pits in a corner and hover there. The red devil (which is about the size of the larger texas) chases them around whenever they get too close to 'his' territory. They don't seem as aggressive as the other fish in the tank (oscars, red devil, electric yellows, etc.) but they DID pull up all my live plants in the front of the tank (the ones in the rear are fine). this is the second time I've had an aggressive tank, and the texas cichlids are a great addition.
One of he only fish ive been able to add to my tank with my red devil or midas cichlid. This fish is tough, its half the size of the red devil and holds it own. Also it can tolerate higher temps and ph than listed, i keep mine in a tank with two mbuna and the midas and they all do fine together.
I've had my female tex for about 1 year now. She is about 7 inches long and very social. She shows no aggression whatsoever towards my irridesent sharks, catfish or discus. She is definetly a favorite among my friends who come to see my fish. This is one of my favorite cichlids.
My Texans are now on their second batch of fry. I rescued about 50 from the first batch and they are doing fine in other tanks. The second batch has been left in the tank with the parents. They take them out on "walks" every day and dote on them. The tank is full of other cichlids but they are nowhere to be found. They hide in the rocks and bushes until I throw in some food. Then they dart out and commence the feeding frenzy. The Texans have all their tank mates completely dominated. Its been two weeks and the fry are still there. Im guessing that in a few weeks they will mostly be gone unless they can find a place to hide in the bushes as well.
My Texans just spawned and both are protective parents. Both parents have scooped up the wigglers now and have deposited them in a central location where they hover and fight off all comers. It looks like they are eating the fry but they are simply relocating them. Those helpless wigglers are being eyed by all and sundry. But the brave parents will not let anyone close.
I have a texas cichlid which is now about 7 yrs. old and 10" long absolutely beautiful. blue dots all over him. looking at him I would describe him to be velvety as opposed to scaley. one heck of a dog like personality. he lives alone in a 100 gal. tank and he will follow me back and forth along it. sometimes i think he wants me to rub his belly.
Texas cichlids have the same doglike characteristics as an Oscar if they are fed a good diet and given good water conditions. Mine is about 6 inches total and I have had him for 3 years. He is also one of the most beautiful aquarium fish available. My wife says it looks like he has green jewels all over him. Mine is not as aggressive as stated here, he gives a display (fins all the way out and shaking , as other cichlids do) but doesnt usually follow through with violence.