Key Characteristics: Striking Appearance: The Electric Blue Texas Cichlid is known for its stunning electric blue scales and speckled pattern. Their bodies are adorned with white and turquoise dots on a golden background, which darken near the caudal fin. Adult males may develop a nuchal hump on their head. During spawning, their coloration changes to a darker hue. Size: They can reach a size of over 12 inches (30 cm). Temperament: They are known for their territorial and semi-aggressive nature, especially during breeding. They are best suited for experienced aquarists who can provide them with appropriate care and tankmates. Lifespan: With optimal care, they can live for 10+ years, with some sources citing up to 15 years. Diet: They are omnivores, meaning they consume both animal and plant matter. In the wild, their diet consists of smaller fish, invertebrates, and vegetation. In captivity, they thrive on a varied diet of high-quality pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods. Habitat: They inhabit pools and narrow waterways in subtropical regions. In the aquarium, they require a well-maintained tank that mimics their natural environment. Aquarium Care: Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for a single Electric Blue Texas Cichlid due to their size and territorial nature. If keeping multiple individuals, a larger tank of at least 125 gallons is necessary. Tank Setup: A sandy or fine gravel substrate is preferred. The tank should be aquascaped with plenty of rocks, caves, and driftwood to create territories and hiding spots. Hardy plants can be added, but they may be uprooted. Floating plants offer additional cover. Water Parameters: Maintain a temperature range of 76-82°F (24-28°C). They prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH between 7.8 and 8.6. Moderately hard water (GH of 8-12 dGH) is ideal. Water Quality: Regular water changes (weekly or bi-weekly) are crucial to maintain pristine water parameters and minimize disease. Over-filtering the water is recommended. Tankmates: Due to their aggression, tankmates should be chosen carefully. They can be kept with other large, robust cichlids from similar habitats, provided the tank is large enough. Breeding: They are substrate spawners and are known to be prolific breeders in the wild. Both parents will care for the eggs and fry. Important Notes: The name “Electric Blue Texas Cichlid” can be used for several species and hybrids, not just Herichthys cyanoguttatus. While they can be kept in a community tank, their aggressive nature requires caution when selecting tankmates. It is not advisable to release aquarium fish into the wild, as this can disrupt the local ecosystem.