Species Profile: Herichthys carpinte

Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Herichthys
Species: Herichthys carpinte
Common Name: Green Texas Cichlid
Distribution: Central America, Northern Mexico
Minimum Tank Size: A single fish requires at least a 3ft tank, while a 4ft tank would be adequate for a bonded pair.
Temperament: This species is considered semi-aggressive, similar to Green Terrors, Jack Dempseys, and most Vieja species. However, male H. carpinte can hold their own against more aggressive cichlids such as Parachromis managuensis (Jaguar).
Suitable Tankmates: As has been mentioned above, Green Terrors, Jack Dempseys, and most Vieja species are about as aggressive as H. carpinte, and so are suitable tankmates. Nevertheless, this species can be kept with more aggressive cichlids in a large cichlid community in a very large tank (6ft or more).
Maximum Adult Length: Although seldom, males can attain a maximum length of 10", and females 8".
Water Conditions: Highly adaptable and resilient, H. carpinte can do well in a wide range of water conditions, as long as extremes are avoided. Ideally, pH should be 7.0 - 8.2, because this species is found in alkaline lakes and ponds in the wild. However, 6.0 - 8.5 is acceptable. This species tolerates temperatures ranging from 22C - 29C.
Sexual Dimorphism: Females possess a conspicuous black blotch on the dorsal fin, while males don't, and also reach a smaller maximum size.
Breeding: The couple clean a smooth surface (usually a rock) before the female lays her eggs there. Afterwards, the male will fertilize them. About 48 hours later, the eggs will be almost transparent and you will see black 'eyes' inside. If the eggs are still white, they are unfertilized. Once the eggs hatch, the parents will move them to pits dug in the gravel. Later, when the babies become free-swimming, they leave the pits and swim in a shoal near the parents. Free-swimming fry can be fed on very fine powdered flake and brine shrimp nauplii. Powdered egg yolk is a great food too as it's VERY high in protein. Microworms are another alternative. When in breeding colouration, both parents turn a dark, almost black colour with the exception of a right-angle triangular spot behind the pectoral fin.
Feeding: H. carpinte is an omnivore and some vegetable matter is required in the diet.