TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-likes)
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)

Genus/species: Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Texas Cichlid aka Rio Grande Cichlid 2999113747_5988dd62cb_o

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Light grey with many small turquoise to white dots over the body. A single black spot on central side and second spot on the caudal peduncle; three black bars behind central spot. Max. length: 30 cm (12 inches), common length : 11.3 cm (4.5 inches)

DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Originally restricted to the lower Rio Grande drainage in Texas and south to northeastern Mexico. Introduced to central Texas and central Florida. Found in pools and open runs of rivers; prefers warm water and areas with vegetation.

DIET IN THE WILDt: Worms, crustaceans, insects, and plant matter. Sorts through mouthfuls of gravel, eats the small animals, and spits out the rest.

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REMARKS: Considered a game fish in Texas and Mexico. This species is the only cichlid native to the U.S.

Swamp, SW08 Alligator Gars

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