TankBud

Pearlscale cichlid

Herichthys carpintis

Also known as Green Texas Cichlid

FreshwaterFish

Pearlscale cichlid (Herichthys carpintis)
H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–79°F
24–26°C
pH
7.0–8.0
Adult size
11.8 in
30 cm
Minimum tank
55 gal
210 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Substrate spawner · Hard
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Mexico

Overview

The pearlscale cichlid is a large, hardy Central American cichlid for a spacious tank. It is easy to keep and a good choice for a first big cichlid.

Did you know

Spawning pearlscale cichlids change dramatically. The head and front of the body turn bright white against a dark rear, a strong contrast that signals they are guarding a nest.

Caring for the pearlscale cichlid

Plan for at least 55 gal (210 L) for one adult pearlscale cichlid, and more for a pair. It is an enthusiastic digger that moves sand and rearranges decor. Use a sandy floor, heavy and stable rockwork of rounded rocks, and sturdy driftwood, with open swimming space in the middle. Rooted plants get uprooted, so keep any plants potted and robust, or leave them out altogether.

Keep it in fresh water that is neutral to hard, at 75 to 79°F (24 to 26°C) and a pH of 7.0 to 8.0. Feed a quality cichlid pellet with frozen and fresh foods such as prawn and earthworm.

The pearlscale cichlid is aggressive, and it is generally kept alone or as a single pair. It becomes strongly territorial, particularly when breeding, and a pair can clear a large area and drive off intruders. Tank mates must be big and tough, with plenty of room to avoid it.

It is a substrate spawner that lays its eggs on a cleaned rock, and both parents guard the eggs and fry. Breeding is hard, chiefly because of the space and tank size the fish need.

Good to know

The pearlscale cichlid, Herichthys carpintis, is a member of the cichlid family, Cichlidae. It is named for the large turquoise to pale blue spots that cover its body like scattered pearls. These spangles are bigger and bolder than the fine speckling of its close relative, the Texas cichlid.

In the wild

The pearlscale cichlid is native to northeastern Mexico, in the Panuco river basin and nearby coastal lagoons around Tampico. It lives in warm, hard, alkaline water and even tolerates slightly brackish conditions near the coast.

Common questions

What size tank does a pearlscale cichlid need?

A pearlscale cichlid needs at least 55 gal (210 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a pearlscale cichlid need?

A pearlscale cichlid is comfortable at 75–79°F (24–26°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.0.

What does a pearlscale cichlid eat?

A pearlscale cichlid eats a quality cichlid pellet, along with frozen and fresh foods such as prawn and earthworm.

How big does a pearlscale cichlid get?

An adult pearlscale cichlid reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).

How does a pearlscale cichlid breed?

Pearlscale cichlids are substrate spawners that lay their eggs on a cleaned rock. Both parents guard the eggs and fry, and breeding is hard because of the space the fish need.

Related species