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FAQs on Texas Cichlids
Related Articles: Texas Cichlids, Firemouths, Oscars, Neotropical
Cichlids, African Cichlids, Dwarf
South American Cichlids, Cichlid Fishes in
General, Cichlid Systems,
Cichlid Identification,
Cichlid Behavior,
Cichlid Compatibility, Cichlid Selection,
Cichlid Feeding,
Cichlid Disease, Cichlid
Reproduction,
Related FAQs: Neotropical Cichlids 1, Cichlids of the World,
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Bloated Texas Cichlid 11/5/07
Hello! I have been searching/researching info on my sick TX cichlid for over
a week now on your excellent site, and treating the problem to the best of my
abilities with advice from y'all and my local aquarium stores. However, I am not
seeing much change and would like to know when/if I may need to euthanize her
(i.e., what signs should I be looking for to feel certain that the end is near).
OK, so here's the situation in a nutshell: 10 days ago, I noticed my 4-year old,
female TX cichlid (20-gallon long tank, she's 6", feeding is primarily Hikari
Gold staple with 1 frozen bloodworm block every few days; I have since STOPPED
all bloodworm feeding and have given her Spirulina flakes and the Hikari staple
every few days; she's still eating, but barely due to bloat discomfort, I
assume) was looking very bloated and her anus was slightly prolapsed. I am
pretty sure I caught it within 24 hours, so I began the treatments (see next
paragraph). But, despite the efforts, 10 days later and the bloating has
slightly increased, the anus has gone inside more, but a horrible fungus has
grown all over the prolapsed region. All I see now is bloat and a dangly
fuzzy/dark nastiness on her anus area, with slight prolapse.
Here's the medical treatment as of Day 2: 30% water change, filter/gravel
cleaning. Removed the carbon filter and treated her with Epsom salt and
Metronidazole powder (which I really don't think she ate much at all as I soaked
her pellets/flakes). I did this every other day for a few days. No change, and
then the fungus appeared, so started using Maracyn Plus, Epsom salt and a 50%
water change + gravel cleaning. 2 days later, switched to Epsom and Maroxy for
the obvious fungus problem. The bloat has not changed, but the prolapse has
decreased, and the fungus is still around it, not as poofy white, but sickly
darker, and her anus region does look rather red).
Should I be more patient? I am trying to be sensitive to not over-medicate, and
let the carbon filter cycle in between medicine days. I am due for another water
change soon, but am curious if I am being too aggressive? not aggressive enough
with the meds?
Also, she is still "acting" like herself, but I am sure the bloating must feel
horrible, not to mention the fungal growth (I wonder if it's gone internal now
and is slowly killing her?). She eats a little still and is fairly active in her
swimming around. I definitely don't want her to suffer, but also heard that
these infections can take a while to go away. I am wondering about the 'point of
no return' when I need to recognize that the fungus is not clearing up and her
bloat is not decreasing.
Thank you for your help!! Attached are some photos (the best I could get),
Amy
< The Metronidazole is effective if the problem is a protozoan infection. I
usually recommend adding an antibiotic like Nitrofurazone for bacterial
infections too. You are starting to see signs of recovery with the shrinking of
the prolapsed tissues. I would recommend using the Metronidazole and
Nitrofuranace together and doing a 50% water change in between the days you
don't medicate. Don't overfeed. The antibiotics have probably affected the
biological filtration and excess uneaten food would lead to a serious ammonia
spike. In your fish's stressed condition this could be deadly.-Chuck>
TX Cichlid missing most of tail now. Beat Up
Texas Cichlid Is Getting Sick – 07/25/07
Hello, We have a TX cichlid that is very sick. He did have a tank mate which
we removed when he started to get more sick and the tank mate was attacking him.
He started off with what I thought looked like fin/tail rot and some sort of
fungus that was moving up his sides from the back area but was not on the tail.
I think it may have been a fungus since it was white "tuft" looking.
I gave him a round of Mardel - Maracyn and Maracyn Two. He seemed to be a bit
better, then that is when the attacks from the tank mate started, thus removing
him with fear he was going to kill the sick one. After a week or two with the
1st medicine I am now trying API T.C Tetracycline. One the 3rd day (of 4) of
this medicine. He has been constantly in his cave for the past few days and is
in a vertical position with his mouth on the tank bottom. I did a 50% water
change about 7-10 days ago and now a 25% change today based on meds
instructions. I lifted the cave up so I could see him since a few days ago when
I lifted it his tail was almost gone. Well, it is completely gone now and looks
like it has "rotted" away past the dorsal fin area which it now looks concave.
Prior to being sick he was about 2 1/2 inches long, had him since November. I am
amazed at the condition that he appears that he has not died. He has not been
eating for probably a week or so. A few times prior to that I would see him poke
his head out and grab a few flakes.
If you can please help me and tell me what we should do for him I would greatly
appreciate it. I don't know if he could survive this with so much of his tail
being gone now. Thanks, Julie
The tetracycline actually works better in soft water. I would recommend that
you do a 50% water change, vacuum the gravel and clean the filter Keep the water
at 82 F. Treat with Nitrofurazone as per the directions on the package. This
medication is useful to treat both bacterial and fungal infections. If the
infection has gone past the fin and into the body then the fin most likely will
not grow back from that area. The fish may still survive but will not be very
pretty to look at.-Chuck>
Re: TX Cichlid missing most of tail now.
Texas Cichlid With Missing Tail – 07/26/07
Chuck, With treating in soft water, is it sufficient that our tap water has
a water softener or do I need to add some sort of salt to the tank water?
<Ions like calcium and magnesium found in hard water tend to interfere with some
antibiotics like Tetracycline. Simply replacing the calcium and magnesium with
sodium like found in a water softener really doesn't do any good.>
Also, can I start using Nitrofurazone now or do I need to wait until the
treatment of the tetracycline is done?
<If the fish is getting better then complete the Tetracycline treatment. If
there is no progress then do a %50 water change and start to treat with the
Nitrofurazone.>
If the fish survives and the tail doesn't grow back will he pretty much remain
in that vertical position?
< Fins help stabilize the fish in the water. I think he may stay in this
position without his fins.-Chuck>
Thank you so much for your time. Texas Cichlid With Internal Infection - 3/7/07
My 6"-long Texas cichlid has stopped eating and has been very inactive for
several days now. He will swim a little only if disturbed, prefers to lie still
with his head elevated. He also appears to be opening and closing his mouth a
lot--'gasping'? There are no other symptoms. I've contacted local aquarium
shops and followed their meager advice with no success:
1. Gradually changed tank water and cleaned filter. (Water was slightly
elevated in nitrate level, but he's been OK in much water conditions
previously...)
2. Tempted him to eat with frozen bloodworms. (He never ate cichlid food, ate
only tropical fish flakes!)
He is at least 10, perhaps 12 years old, and I am also being told he is
'probably just reaching the end of his life span'. Do old cichlids typically
linger like this for several days before they expire? If he is ill and I can
try to do something about it, I would like to. With this scant info provided,
is there a medicine I might add to the water that might help?? (He is the sole
occupant of his 25-gallon tank, will not accept any other fish...)
<Your fish probably has an internal infection. Do a 50% water change, vacuum the
gravel and clean the filter. Treat with Metronidazole and Nitrofuranace. Due to
your fish's advanced age, a complete recovery may not be possible but it is till
worth a try.-Chuck>
Texas Cichlid, introducing a mate... - 02/21/07
Hi There,
<Howdy>
I saw your web site and I'm enjoying it very much. I have 2 questions for
you first I will tell you about my tank. I have a 45 gallon tank with a 6 inch
Texas Cichlid two 3-4 inch gouramis and a 6 inch pleco.
<Yikes... must be lively times for the Gouramis>
Everyone gets along great my first question is this my Texas is fine over all
she eats good she looks normal and is very active but now I notice from time to
time she Isn't swimming straight she seems fine but sometimes is at probably 10
percent away from being straight up and down second question is this. I am
thinking about adding a male Texas to breed them is this a good thing to do at
this point. I don't really mind moving the gouramis If there is to much
aggressing since I have 2 other tanks that won't be a problem thanks for your
time and expertise , Darren
<Mmm, I would move the gouramis, or at least be present, ready to move them with
the introduction of another cichlid... I would put a separator between the new
fish and all the "old ones" for a good week or two before allowing them to get
to each other... And do this when you're going to be around/home for a few hours
to monitor... Bob Fenner>
Re: Texas Cichlid, introducing a mate... 2/22/07
Hi Bob
<Darren>
Thanks for your reply I have just lucked into a 72 G bow front so
ill
<I'll>
be putting the texas
<Texas>
in my 55 and turn the 72 into my african
<African>
tank
<.>
thanks for the advise
<advice>
a divider will be good but can you divide a bow front .
<A stretch across a corner...>
I can't see how anyway
<.>
thanks again I am really enjoying your website. Have a great day ,Darren
P.S. YEAH i dont understand it either but miss texas lets the gouramis
live. she has killed 3 or almost killed 3 others ive tried one was a talapia ,
then a green terror then a jack dempsey all were dead meat except for the jack
who i got out in time he is now thriving in my african tank
<Next time... spell check... Bob Fenner>
Something is wrong with my 6yr old Texas
Cichlid... 8/21/06
I am hoping that you can help me. I have a 40 gallon aquarium with
a 6 year old Texas Cichlid (which I've had since she was a baby, she is
now ~7" long), she shares the tank with only a Plecostomus (she was too
aggressive as a toddler and killed the convict cichlid we bought with
her so decided she would have to live alone).
<A common situation>
She is normally a very happy active Cichlid.
She normally swims near us if my husband or I are near the tank; she
comes up to the top of the tank and takes food from my fingers. She has
a lot of
color, which normally changes with her mood.
<Very nice>
She enjoys moving her rocks around so that the tank is the way she wants
it to be.
<Heeee! Oh, yes>
She has laid eggs like clock work almost monthly for the past several
years. She has been acting very strangely for the past 2-3 weeks and I
am starting to get
nervous. This may be a coincidence however the strange behavior started
just after the last time she laid eggs; she typically hovers over them
for several days until they turn whitish and then she and the
Plecostomus eat them up, live then goes on like normal until the process
starts again in another month or so. (the laying eggs part may have
nothing to do with her behavior changes however I did not want to omit
it in case it mattered - since the changes did start just after the last
time).
<Understood>
Our George (that's her name - we didn't know she was a female when we
named her) is not acting normal at all. The only thing normal is that
her
coloring looks good. Otherwise, she acts as though she doesn't have
much energy, swimming slowing around, staying on the bottom of the tank
in the
back corners most of the time. She isn't very interested in eating, nor
does she come up to the front of the aquarium when we are near her. She
also has not been moving any of the rocks around which is typically a
real hobby of hers.
When she first started acting like this I did a 30% water changed.
<Good>
Her behavior may have improved very briefly but not really. I've
cleaned and replaced the filter, and did another water change last
weekend however her
behavior is still the same. I am really worried about her. The
pictures I've attached are the best I could get today. I sent the one
showing her eyes because the only thing I could possibly say which may
have changed physically on her is that maybe her eyes are sticking out
farther then they did in the past, but then maybe not...
I am really worried about her... Can you help?
<Mmm... do you have water quality test kits? Something anomalous does
seem to be going on here... perhaps a transient "mini-poisoning" from an
aerosol in the house... Maybe a toxic insect that made its way into this
tank/system and Georgina swallowed... At any length, I would have done
as you have stated... and continue to do so... the thirty or so percent
water changes weekly, testing for ammonia, nitrite... perhaps employing
a chemical filtrant like activated carbon or Polyfilter... and offering
some novel food items... my choice, earthworms. I wish you and your
Texas Cichlid well. Bob Fenner> |
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Texas cichlid worries, incomp. with Red Devil 7/13/06
My 5 inch Texas Cichlid has a small growth behind its eye. At first, it was
only a raised bump, but now it has turned into a light-brown nodule. I thought
that it was an injury from a fight with my Red Devil.
<Could likely be. These two will definitely tussle>
They have been acting weird lately. They swim around each other with their
mouths wide open. Then they each try to bite the other's mouth. They rarely bite
anything else other than each other's mouth. I also have a foot-long red-bellied
Pacu, and two very small Firemouths.
<Hope this tank is hundreds of gallons...>
My other fish don't get involved in their squabbles. He still eats fine and
swims normally. I just want to cure the issue if it is possible. I don't want to
infect my other fish with a fatal disease.
Thank
You, Al
<I would separate these two cichlids... likely move the Red Devil to its own
permanent set-up... they may be trying to breed... happens... Or just sorting
things out territorially. At any length, this won't improve w/o their
separation. Bob Fenner>
Texas Cichlid Shedding His Skin 07/04/06
Hi. I am totally new to the whole experience of owning a fish and I started
out with a Texas cichlid. Now he is around the size of a hand span from wrist to
the second joint. I have him on a strict diet with a filter system and air
bubbles and the whole show. He was doing fine and recently (today) he began to
shed skin. Well that's what it looks like he is doing. He is not completely
covered but almost halfway covered in a white skin looking layer and is
steadily loosing the layer. The only problem is I can't tell if he is loosing
it or gaining more decaying skin. He still eats good and swims around when am
not looking right in front of the tank. He is even socialable with my other 3
convict cichlids. I guess am asking if you could tell me if he is really
shedding scales do to stress or some other issue or if he will be ok Thank you
very much Amanda
< Cichlids do not shed their skin like reptiles. Do a 50% water change, vacuum
the gravel and clean the filter. Treat the bacterial infection with
Nitrofuranace after the treatment the good bacteria will probably be affected
and you will need to add Bio Spira to get the biological filtration going
again.-Chuck>
Texas Cichlid/Swim Bladder Problem? Env. 6/2/06
I've had a male Texas Cichlid for about 11 years now, same tank, same setup,
nothing much has changed other than when he wants to re-arrange things himself.
He is a loner and won't let anything else in the tank.
Go figure.
<Not atypical for a specimen of this species raised solitarily>
I recently took a vacation and had a friend feed him and upon returning the tank
had definitely been overfed as a lot of excess was laying around on the bottom.
Cleaned it up, partial change etc. A couple of days later I wake up from bed and
the fish is laying on the bottom, sideways in a Upside down U shape with a
bloated belly.
Called some local shops brought in water, nothing un-usual. Im wondering if this
is a swim bladder problem, old age or something I'm not seeing?
<Most likely just poor environment>
They all had no idea what to tell me, they thought it was Ich,
<... no>
which I treated for that and various other things they mentioned.
Also used some sea salts and raised the temp slightly.
What can I do, this is my buddy for a long time and I hate to see him like this
especially since he cant eat. Were 4 days into this with no sign of disease. He
will try to swim and can for a few moments, I can see in his eyes he wants to be
back to normal. But alas, after a few moments he looks winded and back to the
bottom in the upside down u shape.
Anything you all can tell me to try would be much appreciated.
Sincerely
Jeremy Robertson
<Monitor water quality, try Epsom salt (detailed on WWM), keep changing water...
Bob Fenner>
Not eating cichlid 7/30/05
We got a Texas blue cichlid given to us he is approx 9inchs we are feeding
him the same food but he will not eat we have tried feeder fish has only eaten 1
in 10 days there is still 3 in there is this normal for him not to want to eat
the fish food
<Not normal... not good food... please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/texascichlid.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Breeding Texas cichlids 07/02/05
I recently bought a Texas cichlid that is a darker color with many blue
spots.
<Some of these sports are really gorgeous>
I then bought another Texas cichlid with the same blue spots, but much lighter
(almost a cream color). When they met they began rubbing each other and swimming
in circles with one another. My darker one became aggressive with my Oscars and
my Dempsey (it never was before). I was wondering if this is some sort of mating
ritual or a territorial thing.
<Likely a bit of both>
Also how can I sex them, they are about 5-6" but seem to almost have the same
type of fins. Your help is appreciated.
Jason, Denver CO
<Mmm, like most neotropical cichlids the males unpaired fins are a bit longer
and more pointed... Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/cichlidreprofaqs.htm
... and on WWM re Cichlid Systems, Behavior... linked above. I do hope your
system is large enough... and do keep your eyes open for trouble, too much
aggression amongst all these fishes. Bob Fenner>
Texas/Convict Cross
Interracial dating??? Hi, I have a 30 gal aquarium with one Texas (about
4"), two convicts (about 2"), and one Koi (about 5"). I recently noticed
one of them has spawned inside a tipped over pot I put in there as
'territory'. I watched for a while, and to my amazement realized it was the
Texas cichlid who laid the eggs and the convict (who is about half the
Texas' size) who was in there with her, fertilizing. They both take turns
guarding the nest and do so aggressively. Has anyone run into this
before???
< Yes, it happens all the time.>
Now I know they prooooobably are NOT going to successfully breed (LOL), but
what's the deal???
< Fish have a need to reproduce. When the proper mate is not available they
choose the next best thing.>
Do they often form weird, cross-species pair bonds like that... or do I just
have some seriously crazy fish?
< This normally does not happen when both sexes of the same species are
present.>
And with Texas Cichlids forming pair bonds, will I be able to intro a male
Texas (later, in a larger tank, of course) and will they realize and form
their own pair bond?
< If a male Texas is introduced it will probably pair up with the correct
female. The sooner the better.>
Will she dump her little felon man for a hearty Texan????
< Hopefully and probably.>
Will her ex con try to murder her by slipping rat poison in her drink????
lol, OK, just going a little Soap Opera here... ; ) But seriously.... Can
someone help me out with my weird fish? Kim
< Get the proper sexes to pair your fish up and hopefully nature will take
care of itself.-Chuck>
Texas Cichlid Set Up
To Bob. I have been looking for ways to set up a Texas cichlid tank and I
was wondering if you could tell me what I need to set up my Texas cichlid tank.
I have two small Texas and I am about to upgrade to a bigger tank so if you
could tell me what sort of filters I need and how big my tank needs to be that
would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to no what fish go good with
Texas cichlid. cheers
<Texas cichlids can get up to 9 inches so a big tank of at least 40 to 50
gallons is needed. Big fish get messy so I would recommend a good size outside
power filter that pumps at least 300 gallons per hour. Other fish like other
central American cichlids would work well if they are all about the same size.
If you get a pair of Texas cichlids and they decided to breed then all the other
fish will be killed or pushed to one side of the tank. If you can get the pair
to spawn when they are small then it is not nearly as stressful as when they are
larger.-Chuck>
Female Texas Cichlid Not Acting Normal
I have a female Texas cichlid in a 55 gallon tank with about 12 other
cichlids. Everything has been the same for about a year as far as the fish
selection and quantity. I had an African cichlid die about a week ago for
reasons unknown to me, but none of the other fish seem to be affected with
any kind of illness, besides the Texas cichlid. For about 3 days she has
been hiding in a plant and keeping close to the top of the water. She
doesn't seem to be eating like she usually does. I can not tell of any
markings on her body. Can you tell me what could be wrong and what I can
do? thank you.
< With no external symptoms I can only assume that your fish may have an
internal bacterial infection brought on by stress. I would isolate the fish
and treat with Metronidazole as per the directions on the package until the
fish is eating normally.-Chuck>
SICK TEXAS CICHLID
I asked a previous message about my bloated cichlid listed below. I also wanted to add that he has some scales missing or maybe his skin is just stretching. It looks like white spots on his belly. Could this be more than just a bacterial infection?
< As the internal bacterial infection gets worse the exterior part of the fish gets distended to the point where there may be gaps between the scales. I would still treat with
Metronidazole, after doing a 30% water change and servicing the filter. As a precaution you may want to treat with rid-ich by Kordon just it case it has come down with ich as well.-Chuck>
BLOATED TEXAS CICHLID
My Texas cichlid's belly is swollen and he looks like he's going to burst. He still has an appetite but is starting to have trouble swimming upright. What is wrong with him and how can he be cured?
< Your Texas cichlid has an internal bacterial infection brought on by stress. If he is still eating then you may have a chance to save him. Do a 30% water change and
vacuum the gravel. Service the filter too. Treat with Metronidazole and feed medicated food with
Metronidazole in it if you can find it. -Chuck>
Schooling Texas cichlids?
Hello,
I'm trying to learn if my stocking idea is feasible... I have 125 gal (6 foot long) tank currently inhabited by an 18" gibbiceps, 7"
Raphael catfish, 3" green terror juvie, 2" female convict, about 20 green Corys and 4
Barbus filamentosus. Somewhere I've heard the Texas cichlid is a schooling fish, and I'm wondering if adding 3-4 would possibly work in my tank?
< All cichlid fry are somewhat of a schooling fish until they mature and get ready to breed. At about two or three inches they will start to pair off and no longer school.>
While I wouldn't like to, I could possibly remove the convict to another tank, and again, if I had to I suppose I could give the green terror to the
LFS as it's still quite small I'm sure they'd happily take him/her back. I'd rather keep everyone, though.
What do you think? If Texas cichlid isn't a good option, could you recommend another CA/SA cichlid of good size, 8-10" and colorful that could cohabitate somewhat peacefully with conspecifics? I don't mind a little natural aggression, I just don't want my fish living in a constant war zone!
Thanks, Jennifer
< When dealing with central and South American cichlids it is possible to get some fairly non-aggressive cichlids to get along in a big tank. Look at the chocolate cichlid,
Heros severum, festivum and all of the Geophagus types.-Chuck>
My Texas has red spots..... Does Yours?
Hello,
I have a 75 gallon tank I received free. It is 4 feet long 18" deep and 22" high. When I got the tank it was in such bad shape I had to completely clean
everything and start it over, unfortunately there was a rather large Texas, a rather large Dempsey, medium firemouth, and a medium convict, along with a few
goldfish, kissing gouramis, and 2 large Plecostomus. I didn't want to waste these
beautiful fish and being new ay the aquarium game I wasn't sure what to do.
They seemed fine at first, then the Texas had gotten small red bumps all over the fins behind it's gills and became very sluggish and eating very little. He
seemed to be the only one affected. I asked the best fish store in town and they said probably fin
rot, because of high ammonia possibly when starting over the tank. they also said do not
vacuum or change the filter bags in either of my Whisper- 3 filters due to these are going to generate the necessary bacteria
for the tank. Recently the firemouth has died of no apparent reason out of nowhere.
This all occurred in about a 3 week period. Again I talked to the fish store and they
recommended a heater which the tank didn't come with to bring up the temp from about 68deg. F. to 80deg F to build bacteria faster and a
healthier temp(erature) for the fish, the also recommended a packet of Bio-Spira live bacteria
culture to help the process along faster. while at the store I purchased a good water testing kit as I live in a small Wisconsin town that pumps up well
water and treats it for the town. the levels are becoming more stable everyday and my
Texas in just over night after adding the bacteria culture has become very active again chasing the
Dempsey all the time, (they don't attack just chase, this is very exciting to watch.) although the
Texas is very active the spots are still there, they look as if he had rubbed his fins raw and the spots
swelled some, the spots are close to his body and not near the ends of his fins. Would you have any idea what this would be and how to get rid of
it? Although he is a beautiful fish I want to trade him in along with the Dempsey and
the convict and start over with a larger amount of smaller cichlids. I would like to get this fish healthy so that maybe someone else can enjoy his beauty,
he has bright vivid blue shades through his small spots from head to tail and I want to keep him that way, any info you could give would be very appreciated.
Thank You for your time and Knowledge, John
< Your Texas Cichlid has developed a bacterial infection from the stress of being moved around. The fish store has given you some very good advice and I recommend that you continue to patronize them. If the red spots stopped growing and are beginning to heal then I would just keep the water clean and let him heal on his own. If the spots continue to grow then you might consider treating him in a quarantine tank with
Nitrofuranace.-Chuck>
Texas cichlids
question, how do you tell the sex, I've got one that's really dark in color and
one that is really light in color, thanks
< Texas cichlids are somewhat sexable by a couple characteristics. Males tend to
be larger and the fins are longer and more pointed than the females. When
getting ready to spawn they both take on a 3/4 black coloration leaving the
forehead area a light grey color.-Chuck>
Re: blue Texas fry
I have 8 cichlids...., 6 mixed African and 2 blue Texas in a 55 gallon tank. the
blue Texas bred and I scooped up about 30 fry to separate them in a floating
breeding tank (very small in size). there are still about 15 in the tank with
the other fish and are doing fine. both parents are very protective of them. my
question is what to do with the separated fry? how long do I have to keep them
separated and is it ok to put them in the tank with the other cichlids after
being separated?
< Your Texas cichlids will eat there own fry in a couple of weeks as they
prepare to spawn again. I recommend that you keep the fry separated and feed
them baby brine shrimp and crushed flake food. In a couple of months you could
try and trade them in to the local fish store for some credit.-Chuck
Texas cichlids
my query for u guys is i have a Texas cichlid and his colors half black and half
white my friends keys telling me that its not a Texas cichlid do they
change
colors like that is it a Texas cichlid or is it some thing else hope
to
hear from u guys soon u can e mail me back
at elmo01830 @aol .com
<There are really two different species of cichlids commonly referred to as
Texas Cichlids.. "Cichlasoma" carpinte is a fish with large greenish spots
on a dark grey body. The other Texas Cichlid is "Cichlasoma"
cyanoguttatum. This one has smaller white spots on a lite grey body. When either
one becomes dominant or decides it wants to breed the lower half becomes black
while the upper half can become a very light grey almost white.-Chuck>
Oscar/Texas cichlid
I have a 3" albino tiger Oscar and a Texas cichlid in a tank together.
I was wondering if these are suitable tank mates. I have heard that the Texas
cichlid is very mean and might kill the Oscar, but so far it seems to be the
opposite. The Texan just kinda hangs around the bottom and sometimes when the
Oscar sees him he will chase him for a bit, but quickly loses interest. They
don’t seem to mind each other for the most part. They are currently in a 29G
but I’m planning to upgrade to a 60G before too long. I’ve heard some people
say they are good together, and some say they don’t mix. So I guess I’m a
tad confused. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Also I was wondering if you
had any info on the Texan because there are barely any on any sites I can find.
All I know is that he is the coolest looking freshwater fish I have seen thus
far. Thanks for your time.
<As far as water parameters go these fish should be fine together. The
chasing you are seeing is most likely because of territorial disputes,
especially if the Oscar is larger or was in the tank before you added the Texas.
They need to be moved into the larger tank ASAP and once they get large you may
find yourself needing an even larger tank to prevent the fighting. To find more
webpages on the Texas, do a search for the species name Herichthys cyanoguttatus
or the more common name Rio Grande cichlid. Ronni>
Texas Cichlid Disease
Could not find answer on your site. My Texas Cichlid died this
morning. Raised him from baby (1 1/4 inches to 5 inches at death, one
year old). I kept a log. Day one:1st symptoms were 3
pink spots appearing near dorsal fin and 2 on lower jaw. Ran tests on water
everything was normal. Introduced 2 tablespoons of aquarium salt to
water (he was in 10 gal. tank no other fish) spots cleared up in 3 days. At end
of 3 days did 10% water change, he was not eating normally so stopped food for 2
days. My regular maintenance of tank was 30% water change every 3
weeks, I use a Hagen Aqua 200 filter and a sponge filter and use Kordon water
treatment, I'm on well water. Day ten: half dozen pink
spots reappeared plus he passed a very long string of semi-clear whitish
substance. I again introduced salt, the pink spots cleared up to some
degree, some remained grey in color. His appetite did not improve, it was time
for regular water change and did a 30% change. Ran water tests
everything was normal. (If it's important at this point my Ph runs a
constant 7.4 and this is what he was raised in. I have 2 other tanks
with angels and silver dollars in one and black convicts in the other who are
under same water and maintenance conditions and they are doing well.) Day
15: He is staying near top of tank near airstone bubbles most of the time but
does not appear to be gasping for breath staying level in the water and has not
eaten for about 3 days. His pink spots have increased, his normal
color is only apparent around the head and gills the back part of his body is
blackish in color turning to grey as it nears the head and he was passing
another very long string of whitish substance. I removed the sponge
filter and the carbon filter and introduced Melafix and aquarium salt. That
was last night and this morning he was very weak and then died a short while
later. I know this has been a long letter but wanted to give you all
info that I had as I would like to know if possible what killed him.
<It sounds as if it may have been a parasitic infection. Take a look at http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwfshparasites.htm
for descriptions of many of them. Also, I have to wonder, was the 10g tank his
normal home or just a QT tank? If it was his normal home, there were probably
some problems caused by it. A 10g is *way* too small for anything but a dwarf
Cichlid and especially one like the Texas who can reach an adult size of nearly
a foot.>
Thank you for your time. Wilma Hill
<You're welcome! Ronni>
Texas Cichlid
Thank you for the reply,
<You are welcome.>
Question number two, I have a 50 gal/900L tank with two angels, two black tip sharks, two catfish, and planning to add more. I also had the Texas
Cichlid in the same tank until I transferred him to the 39 gallon and the water in that tank is crystal clear. Now my 50 gallon tank is
Plexiglas as my 39 gallon is glass. My 50 gallon has a slight
"tannish" haze to the water. I did a 50 % water change and the pH is fine.
<Before or after the water change? Yellow water usually means you need to increase the frequency or amounts of your water changes. Use of activated carbon also helps.>
The only thing that I could think of is the filtration, it is a KOBUOTA dual filter.
<I have no experience nor have I ever seen this model.>
My 39 Gallon has a Penguin 125 Biowheel carbon filter which I think does a better job. Would you suggest that I switch the 50 gallon to two penguin 330's.
<If you think they would work better, go for it. You would know better than I how your tanks operate.>
I also have I think aquafin-pure-cure sorry about spelling, water filters the kind that pulls air in from the outside and has a control knob to increase or decrease the airflow in the water.
<Again, unfortunately, I have no idea what this is.>
Also what is a biological skimmer and do I need one for my tanks.
<I am not sure what you are referring to. There are protein skimmers and biological filtration, but they are two different and distinct things. You can search www.WetWebMedia.com for more information on either.>
And last why does it seem that my Texas Cichlid doesn't like light and it seems like he has no schedule for eating. He does not eat right away, is
this normal.
<Somewhat strange behavior for a cichlid. They are usually pigs and quite personable. It may be from stress from the move.>
Waiting for your reply, Scott in Okinawa Japan
<Good luck to you. -Steven Pro>
Texas Cichlid
Good Evening sir ,
<Good afternoon to you. Steven Pro here, part of the WWM question crew.>
I have a Texas Cichlid and recently put him in a 39 gallon tank by himself. He was in a 50 gallon Community tank which he done well with the community fish.
<I am guessing he killed or tormented the fish.>
My questions are what would you suggest that I put in the tank with him as far as fish?
<That is going to be hard. Perhaps some larger dither fish. Fish that are non-territorial, like Silver Dollars and Giant
Danios, but a bit risky either way.>
Secondly does the Texas Cichlid eat live plants.
<Not sure if it will actually eat them, possibly, but will surely dig them up and otherwise destroy them.>
These are cool fish they have an attitude all of their own and they seem like they know everything that is going on around them.
<Agreed, many Cichlids are very personable.>
Thank you very much and will be waiting for your reply.
Scott in Okinawa Japan
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro in Pittsburgh>
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