Texas Cichlid

The territorial Texas cichlid is the only cichlid native to the United States. Just like its Central American relatives, it can be quite aggressive.
The natural home of the Texas cichlid is the lower Rio Grande Drainage in Texas and northeast Mexico, where it is a popular game fish. It can be found not only in the main river but also in smaller streams and pools, and is commonly referred to as the Rio Grande perch. It is known as mojarra del norte (northern mojarra) south of the river.
Texas cichlid is pearly gray with white dots on the body and fins and displays two characteristic black spots—one in the center of the body and the other at the caudal fin base. As it matures, the body develops a golden shade with pearly highlights, and the fins and body become adorned with white and turquoise spots.
The adult fish is also decorated with three black bars and the rear half of the body (including the caudal fin base) sports a profusion of small black dots.